14 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

The above mentioned NEC timetable for that week does not include (as it has in the past) the Empire Corridor, nor the Keystone Corridor west of Philadelphia.  Rather, there is a notation on the front page of the online soft copy timetable to check the regular online timetables.

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak news release:

 

Amtrak Ready for Thanksgiving Travel

Pets, bikes welcome on select trains in Virginia, Northeast

 

WASHINGTON – The Thanksgiving travel season will soon be under way and Amtrak and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) are prepared to accommodate additional customers traveling on the Northeast Regional during the busiest travel week of the year.

 

The Northeast Regional provides a same-seat trip from Norfolk, Newport News, Petersburg, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and cities as far north as Boston.

 

Travel tips will help ensure a hassle-free experience:

• Book Early: Customers may purchase tickets on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Regular Amtrak booking and ticketing procedures apply.
• 2+2 = Free: Customers may bring two bags and two carry-ons, collectively weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure. Arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance.
• Check Train Schedules: Make sure to check holiday train schedules prior to arriving at the station with a helpful, online-only timetable provided by Amtrak.
• Carry Photo ID: Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
• Be Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, stand back from the edge of the platform, do not leave your bags unattended and watch your step when boarding or leaving the train or when walking between cars when the train is in motion.
• If you see something, say something: Report any suspicious activity or unattended items to an Amtrak employee or member of the Amtrak Police Department at (800) 331-0008, by calling 911, or by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone, or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.
• All Aboard Pets: Amtrak welcomes cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or less for only $25. Make sure to bring the appropriate carrier. Some restrictions apply.
• Bring your Bike: When you travel, reserve a space for your bike on select Amtrak routes. Some restrictions apply.

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak news release:

 

Amtrak Preparing for Thanksgiving Rush with Expanded Schedules, More Seats on California Train Routes

November 16, 2016

 

OAKLAND – In anticipation of the busiest travel period of the year, Amtrak is preparing to accommodate the expected surge of holiday travelers with additional trains and extra seats on routes in California. More seats will be added to the Amtrak San Joaquins, Pacific Surfliner and Capitol Corridor routes. The Pacific Surfliner trains will add seats and will require advanced reservations beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27.  This is a blackout period for the Rail2Rail program for both Metrolink and COASTER riders. An extra daily Pacific Surfliner round trip began operating on Nov. 7, offering a new early-morning train from San Diego to Los Angeles, continuing to San Luis Obispo, and an additional evening train from Los Angeles to San Diego. Seats will also be added to the Capitol Corridor service beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 27. The San Joaquins service will add seats beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27.

 

Amtrak will also be increasing the number of reserved Thruway buses on its busiest California routes, including Martinez-Arcata, Sacramento-Chico, San Jose-Grover Beach, Sacramento-Stockton, Bakersfield-Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo-San Jose.

 

Amtrak is working hard to provide a hassle-free travel experience while connecting passengers with friends and family. These additional tips will help to ensure a smooth trip:

• Book Early! Tickets sell out quickly, especially those for Thruway bus service, so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability and pricing. Travelers may purchase tickets on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
• Baggage: Amtrak has the friendliest baggage allowance in the travel industry. Customers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free.
• Avoid the Rush: The busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. Other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more seats available than those in the afternoon or evening.
• Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes beforehand if picking up tickets. Arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance.
• Bring your Bike: Some places are meant to be explored on two wheels. On certain routes bicycle reservations may be required when booking tickets. Reservations are not required on the Capitol Corridor or San Joaquins.
• ADA Friendly: Amtrak welcomes all passengers with disabilities. Trainsets and conductors are prepared to make your travel experience comfortable and seamless.
• Carry Photo ID: Customers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets. Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
• Be Safe: Passengers should be aware of their surroundings, stand back from the edge of the platform, do not leave your bags unattended, and watch your step when boarding or leaving the train or when walking between cars when the train is in motion.

[CNJRoss]

ABC News Washington, DC 11/23:
 

Behind the Scenes at Amtrak: How the Rail Giant Turns Trains Around

 

With an estimated 750,000-plus passengers set to travel on its rails this week, Amtrak is preparing for a busy holiday season.

 

"Thanksgiving is our busiest time of the year," Amtrak Assistant Superintendent of Road Operations T.C. Williamson told ABC News.

 

Moving that many people means a lot of work behind the scenes. After passengers disembark, the train begins what rail workers call the "scrub and shove."

 

Continue here w/video report.

[KevinKorell]

KABC-TV, ABC-7 in Los Angeles, CA, 11/23/16:

Amtrak sees surge in train riders for Thanksgiving

 

Wednesday is a busy travel day for millions of people in Southern California, which means long lines at airports and jammed freeways as people hit the road.

Story