PETS ON TRAINS: MAKING PROGRESS

Reggie finds the whole idea of
train travel very exciting

The idea of taking your pet on a train trip is making progress. A test program in Illinois has been made permanent. One small step for owners, and a giant step for pets. Here's the full release from Amtrak:

"Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) are officially continuing a service that allows travelers to bring their small pets along on trips to and from Chicago and Downstate Illinois. An extended trial was set to expire this month, but due to positive customer response, the program is instead being made permanent with no changes in the provisions that were piloted.

AMTRAK TRYING NEW DINING OPTION ON THE STAR

Amtrak is trying out a new dining option for passengers on their Silver Star service between Miami and New York. It's a route we know well: Every year we take the companion train, the Silver Meteor, to the Big Apple. Results should be interesting (but I'm pretty sure we would vote to stay with dining car service).

The details from Amtrak:

"Amtrak will offer passengers a lower-cost option for travel in our popular sleeping cars on one of our routes between New York and Miami. This offer will be available for travel between July 1 until the end of January 2016 on the Amtrak Silver Star (Trains 91 & 92), which operates daily between New York City and Orlando/Miami, via Washington, D.C., Columbia, S.C., and Tampa, Fla.

"Traditionally, Amtrak has bundled the cost of dining car meals into its charge for the sleeping car. Under this pilot program, these costs will be un-bundled to allow passengers to travel at a lower cost between the northeast, mid-Atlantic and Florida.

AMTRAK SETS FALL SCENERY TOUR

Are you a leaf peeper? If so, here's news from Amtrak:

"Due to popular demand, the Amtrak Autumn Express is back and will operate on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014. See fall scenery on a rare trip and travel through small towns and historic tunnels along a route that has not seen regular passenger service in decades.

"The trip begins at Philadelphia 30th Street Station and travels along the Schuylkill River and through the countryside. After a brief stop in Harrisburg, Pa., the train returns to Philadelphia via the towns of Hershey and Reading and through scenic Montgomery, Chester, Berks, Lebanon and Dauphin Counties. Highlights include some of the oldest train tunnels still in use, the Flat Rock Tunnel built 1836 - 1840, and the Black Rock Tunnel constructed in 1838. Special announcements will be made along the route highlighting key landmarks.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Seating is limited. Tickets are $129 per adult. Up to two kids 2-12 years old ride for half price with each adult ticket. Ticketed passengers will receive a boxed lunch and souvenir tote bag."

AMTRAK EXTENDS PET TRIAL

Pet travel on Amtrak has taken another step forward.

Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation have announced they are adding another route (Chicago-Champaign-Carbondale) to a pilot project that allows travelers to "bring their pets along on trips to and from Chicago and Downstate Illinois. Small pets have been carried between Chicago and Quincy on Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg trains since April, with almost 20 small animals safely transported."

Although the test was scheduled to end in November, Amtrak and Illinois jointly decided to give the idea an extended trial, through April 26, 2015.

Other details from Amtrak:

AMTRAK LAUNCHES CHINESE LANGUAGE SITE

Call this the Dept. of Who Knew? "Besides English, Chinese is the second-highest language encountered throughout the Amtrak system." Accordingly, "Amtrak is launching today a Chinese-language version of its website to serve as a resource for the increasing number of Chinese-speaking residents of and visitors to the United States. The site is accessible by clicking on the Chinese-language link on the Amtrak.com homepage or at zh.amtrak.com.

"Outside of the United States, China is one of our top Asian markets," said Amtrak Chief of Sales Distribution and Customer Service Debbi Stone-Wulf. "We want our Chinese-speaking passengers worldwide to take advantage of the many services available to them on our website."

From Birmingham to Beijing, "All Aboard!" or  全體到齊 -- Gerry

IT'S NATIONAL TRAIN DAY

Today is National Train Day, and one of the themes is "why trains matter to me." Economics aside, we have always loved the idea of traveling by train. Maybe it's just the romantic in us, but there's something about the experience: The sounds of the whistle and the wheels on the rails; taking in the sights or reading a book as the scenery rolls by; meeting new people and forging new friendships, or maybe just avoiding the stress that airplane travel has become. Not to mention it's the preferred mode of transportation by our favorite detective, Nick Charles ("The Thin Man") and how Bing Crosby and friends got from Florida to Vermont in "White Christmas." Here's a video from Amtrak to mark the day. 

AMTRAK TESTING PET TRAVEL ON TRAINS

Reggie says, "I wanna go, too!"

As readers here know, Pam and I love taking the train whenever we have the opportunity, having made the Florida-New York connection several times. But one thing we miss is leaving one of our other traveling companions behind: Of course I speak of our Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Reggie.

But guess what? Amtrak is conducting a test for the next six months to evaluate allowing pets on trains nationally. They chose the route between Chicago and Quincy in Illinois. Too early to get excited, but stay tuned. Reggie may yet get her chance to see the Big Apple! Here's the full release:

CHICAGO -- Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation are teaming up to let travelers bring their pets along between Chicago and Quincy on Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg trains. Reservations are now available for travel from May 5 through Nov.2, as a test of the service.

Ticketing and travel with pets can begin only at staffed stations in Chicago, Naperville and Galesburg, advance reservations are required and a surcharge of $25 will be assessed for travel. Dogs or cats up to 20 pounds each will be accepted in carriers such as those used in airplane cabins and placed at the feet and under the seat of each pet owner. Trains 380-383 operate to and from Chicago, LaGrange, Naperville, Plano, Mendota, Princeton, Kewanee, Galesburg, Macomb and Quincy.

Other provisions apply; please see the attached Amtrak Passenger Service Notice. The pilot program is scheduled to be continuously reviewed.

"Amtrak is supportive of accommodating pets on trains, and through direct collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation and a working group led by U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham of California, we are optimistic a plan can be reached to address the needs and concerns of all our passengers," said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman.

"We in Illinois welcome this exciting new pilot program, which is something that has been suggested by train passengers," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "By listening to and accommodating all passengers, I am hopeful we can create a long-term policy that allows pets on trains and makes traveling on Amtrak even more appealing to a wider audience."

Amtrak routinely welcomes service animals on trains at no charge and that policy is unchanged.

ALL ABOARD THE AMTRAK APPS

We all know we can't go anywhere these days without our travel apps, right? That goes for train passengers, too. Amtrak apps have had more than 3.5 million downloads, and let passengers to plan and book travel, check the arrival and departure status of trains, receive and display eTickets for paperless travel, modify reservations or upgrade seats, search for station information, add ticket information to calendars and access Amtrak Guest Rewards accounts.

Amtrak also reports in addition apps have also eliminated the need for paper tickets, "with millions of eTickets displayed since the launch of eTicketing in 2012." Along with a new recently released version for Windows, the iPhone and Android apps were recently updated to improve the customer experience. 

AMTRAK CRUISING TO NYC

We meet, see and hear the most interesting people when we travel by air, land and sea.

Sometimes we feel so fortunate to have an opportunity to expand the friendship ring to include fascinating folks from around the world.

However, there are times when we look at each other, scratch our heads and wonder why people step into the world of travel armed with, seemingly, scant information.

An example?

A recent round-trip jaunt from the West Palm Beach station to Penn Station in New York City.  Twenty-four hours of clicking.

A fabulous alternative to flying, but train travel means you have limited space, and this should come as no surprise.

A roomette for two with a view.

If you are not prepared to be  very close and personal with your travel companion, may I suggest you book your own compartment for an extended trip.

Train travel suits us, but we accept that a Sleeper Car is only so big.

Photos-Cruising Squared

Riding the rails up the Eastern Seaboard is a wonderful adventure, but we suggest you check your large luggage and step inside with only a small bag of personal essentials, electronic or old-school entertainment tools, an appetite for good food and an open mind for meeting new faces.

All aboard the Silver Meteor from South Florida to New York City! -- Pam

AMTRAK EXPECTS BUSY THANKSGIVING

The holidays are coming, and Amtrak is encouraging Thanksgiving and holiday travelers to plan ahead and book their tickets early for best availability and pricing. Thanksgiving is Amtrak's busiest travel week of the year, peaking on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. They note that other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon and evening. Last year, Amtrak carried a record 737,537 passengers during the 2012 Thanksgiving travel period, up 1.9 percent over the previous year and the prior record set in 2011.

AMTRAK ADDING LONG DISTANCE CARS

Amtrak cars under construction (Credit: Amtrak)

Amtrak is adding some fancy new cars to its fleet. They announced "production of the first units of new Amtrak long distance passenger rail cars is nearing completion and they are expected to begin field testing this winter. The cars are being built by CAF USA at its facility in Elmira, N.Y., which hired more than 400 employees to perform the manufacturing and final assembly work.

"The $298.1 million order for 130 single-level long distance passenger rail cars includes 25 sleepers, 25 diners, 25 baggage/dormitory and 55 baggage cars. More than 120 suppliers in 25 states and 93 cities are providing parts for the new rail cars."

Here's more from their release:

TELL YOUR AMTRAK STORY

Amtrak reports today they carried a record 31.6 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2013, marking the tenth ridership record in 11 years. To celebrate, starting today, passengers are encouraged to share their rail travel stories and pictures at AmtrakStories.com for a chance to win prizes. More details on the giveaway from Amtrak:

"While we handled the driving, you were busy snapping nearly 100,000 photos on Instagram. You captured the beauty of the American landscape, our unique stations and a few selfies along the way. We know you have more to say to your fellow 31 million passengers. We're ready to help you share your stories. Submit your #AmtrakStories at AmtrakStories.com, and we'll share the best ones here on our blog. Oh, did we mention, we'll also give away a $100 travel voucher everyday to the best Amtrak story? Plus, one grand-prize winner gets an Amtrak Vacation pack for two at the end of our 31-day celebration!"

We can say "All aboard" to that! -- Gerry and Pam

AMTRAK ADDS GOOGLE TRACKING MAP

Credit: Amtrak blog

What did we do before Google maps? Now Amtrak is jumping onboard, so to speak, by introducing "an innovative way to see where trains are and when they are expected to arrive, including information on stations nation-wide, all through a new interactive train locator map built on the easy-to-use, familiar Google Maps interface." Here are the details from Amtrak:

"The new train location tracking system, available at Amtrak.com, provides near real-time train status of more than 300 daily trains, estimates of arrival times and station information - all in the context of the Amtrak national system map. Checking on train status is the second most popular action on Amtrak.com, just after purchasing tickets.

"In addition to helping passengers plan travel, this new travel resource is an excellent tool for those planning the arrival or departure of family and friends. Users can search for information by train number or name, city name and station name or code.

"The information provided in the map is aggregated data collected from GPS units on each operating train and other automated systems. The data is transmitted to Google's cloud, and then transferred to the map." Read more here.

AMTRAK ANNOUNCES 'AUTUMN EXPRESS'

Are you a "leaf peeper"? If so, Amtrak has announced the trip for you -- the inaugural "Autumn Express." This one-day-only special train, which departs from and returns to Philadelphia 30th Street Station on Saturday, Nov. 2, affords scenic views of fall foliage and historic railroad sites throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Details from Amtrak:

"The train will travel the Northeast Corridor to Perryville, Md., then make a rare trip up the historic Port Road Branch (usually off limits to passenger traffic) along the Susquehanna River, passing through Enola Yard, crossing the Shocks Mill and Rockville bridges before continuing over the Columbia Secondary and back to Philadelphia via Amtrak's Keystone Corridor through scenic Lancaster County."

Tickets cost $89 for adults and are half-priced for children ages 2-15. All tickets include a boxed lunch and free souvenir tote bag emblazoned with the special "Autumn Express" inaugural logo. -- Gerry

AMTRAK HAS RECORD MONTH IN JULY

Who says people don't take trains anymore? Amtrak reports "record numbers of passengers continue to choose Amtrak . . .making July the best single ridership month ever in its history." Year-over-year ridership in July grew 4.8 percent to more than 2.9 million passengers, an all-time record for most passengers in one month. Year to date, ridership is up 1.1 percent versus the prior year, and Amtrak is on pace to meet or exceed last year's annual ridership record of 31.2 million passengers. -- Gerry

NEW AMTRAK SUMMER-FALL SCHEDULE

Here's news from Amtrak: "The Amtrak summer-fall system timetable is now available and includes minor seasonal schedule changes, which are effective with departures beginning Monday, July 15. The new summer-fall timetable cover features the Carolinian crossing the Potomac River during cherry blossom season after departing Washington D.C., Amtrak's second busiest station. The Carolinian operates daily in each direction between New York City and Charlotte, N.C. The magazine-style booklet, printed bi-annually, will be available in stations and can be ordered and viewed online at Amtrak.com. In addition, passengers can get Amtrak schedule information by calling 800-USA-RAIL or on the Amtrak iPhone and Android apps."

AMTRAK UPGRADES ITS WI-FI SERVICE

Internet connectivity is something we have all come to expect, even moreso when we  travel. Amtrak recognizes that, and has upgraded its AmtrakConnect cellular-based Wi-Fi service to "take advantage of 4G technologies that are improving performance and enhancing the passenger experience." Here's more from their relaese:

"The 4G upgrade is already complete on Acela Express and the California-supported Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, and San Joaquin services, and will be rolled out to all remaining i-Fi equipped Amtrak trains by late summer, including the Northeast Regional. AmtrakConnect continues to be provided at no additional cost, and is available on trains that serve 75 percent of Amtrak passengers, and routinely supports between 30 and 50 percent of passengers on a given train.

"While cellular upgrades to 4G are improving the service, the onboard demand for data continues to grow. To maximize the Wi-Fi experience for passengers, data-heavy activities that can slow everyone down, such as streaming video and music, and file downloads larger than 10MB, will continue to be restricted. This will ensure high-volume data users onboard the train are not able to degrade the Internet experience for others."

AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN ON TOUR

Amtrak's traveling Exhibit Train is hitting the rails again. The train, which showcases Amtrak's past, present and future, includes two locomotives, three renovated baggage cars and one bistro car, with historic paint schemes. Making its first stop at Railroad Days 2013 in Fullerton, Calif., the Exhibit Train "features new displays including workable signals, virtual sleeping accommodation tours and trivia with returning favorite displays including the locomotive stand and horns. In addition, it features photos, uniforms, vintage advertising and memorabilia from Amtrak's beginning in 1971 to today's modern-sleeping cars and high-speed rail service."

The schedule includes:

May 4 - 5
Railroad Days 2013
Amtrak Station, Fullerton, Calif.,

May 11
National Train Day
Amtrak Station at the Alvarado Transportation Center, Albuquerque, N.M.

May 18
Hope, Ark. Station Celebration
Amtrak Station at the Hope Visitors Center and Museum

AMTRAK MARCH RIDERSHIP SETS ALL-TIME RECORD

The Coast Starlight (Credit: Amtrak)

Judging from the numbers, travel by train is more popular than ever. Amtrak reported March set a record as the single best month ever in its history. In addition, October, December, and January each set individual monthly records. Their release noted that dispite service disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy, "Amtrak ridership grew 0.9 percent in the first six months of FY 2013 as compared to the same period the prior year. In all, 26 of 45 routes posted ridership increases and Amtrak expects to end the fiscal year at or above last year's record of 31.2 million passengers."

Also, "Routes with notable ridership growth in the first six months of FY 2013 include: Palmetto (+10.5 percent), Coast Starlight (+10 percent), Illini/Saluki (+9.8 percent), San Joaquin (+8.9 percent), Piedmont (+8.6 percent), Wolverine (+8.2 percent), Vermonter (+6.7 percent), Carolinian (+6.3 percent), Keystone Service (+5.2 percent), Springfield Shuttles (+5.2 percent), Downeaster (+4.8 percent), Pacific Surfliner (+4.3 percent), and Pennsylvanian (+4.3 percent). --Gerry

NATIONAL TRAIN DAY IS MAY 11

"Trains matter" is the theme for the sixth annual National Train Day, set for Saturday, May 11, which celebrates the importance of trains to towns across America. Amtrak notes more than 200 communities are expected to host events at local train stations, railroad museums and other locations. Event offerings vary to include train equipment displays, family-friendly activities and local dignitaries. For more details on National Train Day events and information on how to host a National Train Day event, go to NationalTrainDay.com. --Gerry