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Amtrak special timetables for Thanksgiving week


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#1 KevinKorell

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Posted 04 November 2015 - 02:40 AM

Once again Amtrak will have special timetables to match demand during the one week Thanksgiving holiday period.   Northeast  schedules are now online:

 

Northeast Corridor

Keystone Service

Empire Service

 

More to come.  If previous years are any indication, we will have some from the Wolverine corridor in Michigan, and the Amtrak Cascades Corridor in the Northwest.  I believe that last year they also tried extra trains on more corridors out of Chicago, to Quincy and to Carbondale.



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#2 KevinKorell

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Posted 05 November 2015 - 04:37 PM

More Michigan Trains Added for Thanksgiving Travel - Holiday Schedules

Effective November 25, 28 and 29, 2015

 

In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation will add more trains between Chicago and Michigan during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

  • November 25, 28 and 29, 2015: Added Wolverine Service and Blue Water Trains
    In addition to the normally scheduled Wolverine Service and Blue Water Trains, Amtrak has added Trains 356 and 359, which will operate between Chicago and Ann Arbor.
  • November 25 and 29, 2015: Added Pere Marquette Trains
    In addition to the normally scheduled Pere Marquette service, Trains 372 and 373 will operate between Chicago and Holland.
Book Thanksgiving Travel Now

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead for Thanksgiving travel and book their tickets now for the best availability and pricing. The busiest travel days that are likely to sell out are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. Also note that other than on Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon and evening.

 

Schedule and reservation information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

 

Join us on http://facebook.com/Amtrak and/or follow us on http://twitter.com/Amtrak  .

 

Thank you for choosing Amtrak.

 

 

 

Michigan services timetable



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#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 06 November 2015 - 08:53 AM

Amtrak news release, 11/5:

 

AMTRAK PREPARED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Extra trains and more seats in Northeast, Midwest and West Coast

 

 

WASHINGTON - In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, America’s Railroad® is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with extra trains and additional capacity on several routes in the Northeast, the Midwest, and the West Coast. Amtrak will also operate every available passenger rail car in its fleet. Tickets sell out quickly so passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability and pricing.

 

In the Northeast, in addition to numerous extra trains and additional capacity, Amtrak will lease equipment from our commuter partners to operate “Holiday Extra” trains between New York and Washington on Sunday, Nov. 29. Additionally, the regularly unreserved New York-Philadelphia-Harrisburg Keystone Service will require reservations Tuesday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Nov. 30.

 

In the Midwest, Amtrak is adding extra trains to several of the Chicago hub corridors to downstate Illinois and to Michigan.

 

In the West, Amtrak is adding capacity to several services including Auburn-San Jose Capitol Corridor, Oakland/Sacramento – Bakersfield-Southern California San Joaquin, as well as additional seating on Los Angeles-San Diego Pacific Surfliner service with one additional round trip operating between Los Angeles-San Diego during the busiest travel days.  In the Pacific Northwest, Amtrak is adding one additional round trip between Seattle and Portland on Amtrak Cascades service. During the holiday, Pacific Surfliner service will require reservations.

 

Last year, Amtrak carried a record 772,211 passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period, the most ever for the holiday. Similar passenger counts are anticipated this year.

 

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:

 

  • Purchasing Tickets: eTicketing is enabled on every train route throughout the nation. Travelers may purchase tickets early using Amtrak.com, Quik-Trak or ticket windows at staffed stations (where available), on Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
  • 2+2 = Free: Amtrak has the friendliest baggage policy in the travel industry. Passengers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, collectively weighing up to 150 pounds, for free. Excess baggage will cost $20.
  • 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 available seats 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 and use Amtrak Red Cap agents to help you with your baggage.
  • 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: Passengers 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: 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.


#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 14 November 2015 - 07:31 PM

Amtrak news release:

 

AMTRAK ADDING TRAINS FOR MIDWEST THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL

 

CHICAGO – In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, America’s Railroad® is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with extra trains and additional capacity on several routes in the Midwest. Amtrak will also operate every available passenger rail car in its fleet. Tickets sell out quickly so passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability and pricing.

 

Amtrak is adding extra trains and schedules to several of the Chicago hub corridors to downstate Illinois and to Michigan. Amtrak Lincoln Service and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg trains are operated under a contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation and all Amtrak services in Michigan are under a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation.   

 

Last year, Amtrak carried a record 772,211 passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period, the most ever for the holiday. Similar passenger counts are anticipated this year.

 

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:

  • Purchasing Tickets: eTicketing is enabled on every train route throughout the nation. Travelers may purchase tickets early using Amtrak.com, Quik-TrakSM or ticket windows at staffed stations (where available), Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
  • 2+2 = Free: Amtrak has the friendliest baggage policy in the travel industry. Passengers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, up to 150 pounds collectively, for free! We encourage customers who are carrying multiple bags to use the elevator whenever possible for safety and convenience during the holiday rush.
  • 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 available seats 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 and use Amtrak Red Cap agents to help you with your baggage.
  • 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: Passengers 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: 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.


#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 14 November 2015 - 07:34 PM

Detroit (MI) Free Press, 11/13:
 

Amtrak serving up extra trains for Thanksgiving week

 

Additional trains are being served up for Amtrak riders this Thanksgiving holiday.

 

In what it becoming a holiday tradition, the rail service says it is boosting the number of trains between its Chicago hub and Michigan for the busiest travel week of the year.

 

Amtrak is also adding trains between Chicago and downstate Illinois. The rail service also added trains for the holiday week in 2014.

 

"Last year, Amtrak carried a record 772,211 passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period, the most ever for the holiday. Similar passenger counts are anticipated this year," Amtrak said in a news release.

Continue here.



#6 KevinKorell

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Posted 17 November 2015 - 07:47 PM

More timetables now posted for extra trains on Pacific Surfliners and on Illinois Services:

 

Illinois Service

 

Pacific Surfliner



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#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 November 2015 - 03:48 PM

Amtrak news release, 11/17:

 

AMTRAK SERVES UP NEW PILOT PROGRAMS IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING

Passengers in select areas can bring pets and bikes onboard

 

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is preparing to make the busy Thanksgiving travel experience more enjoyable for passengers than ever with new, enhanced services and adventures unique to rail travel. Amtrak is now offering, on a pilot basis and just in time for Thanksgiving, the ability to bring pets and bikes onboard. In addition, Amtrak is offering its customers traveling in the Northeast Corridor a new digital newsroom for business and first class passengers.

 

During the busiest week, which stretches from Tuesday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Nov. 30, Amtrak expects to accommodate more than three quarters of a million customers. These services highlight why Amtrak is the smarter way to travel to your Thanksgiving celebrations: 

 

Pets on Trains (Pilot Program): 

Amtrak is offering more passengers the convenience of carrying-on their small cats or dogs onboard all Northeast Regional trains as well as Downeaster. Tickets are limited, so passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for the best availability.  

 

Free access to Digital Newspapers (Pilot Program):

Amtrak Business and First class passengers on all Northeast Corridor and eastern route trains will have free unlimited access to The Washington Post digital newspaper, normally available only by paid subscription, via Amtrak’s free on-board Wi-Fi, Amtrak Connect®. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, this free access will help you stay connected to the latest business, sports and entertainment news. 

 

ClubAcela Day-Pass (Pilot Program)

Northeast Regional Business Class and Acela Express passengers now have the opportunity to purchase a same-day pass for access to ClubAcela in Philadelphia and Boston.  For $20 enjoy priority boarding, comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments. -more-

 

Amtrak now also offers “walk-up” bike service on select routes outside of the Northeast Corridor to provide cyclists with a multi-modal travel option without the hassles of driving or parking. Equipment and loading procedures vary. Space is limited and reservations are required.

 

Don’t hesitate to bring your pies, pumpkins and cozy sweaters – Amtrak has the largest allowance for free baggage in the travel industry.

 

Passengers can bring two bags and two carryons for free! Amtrak’s friendly Red Caps are also available to provide baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. We also encourage customers who are carrying multiple bags to use the elevator whenever possible for safety and convenience during the holiday rush. 

 

Travel to 500 Destinations:

No matter where you’re headed for Thanksgiving dinner this year, Amtrak’s extensive rail network connects you to more than 500 destinations. The possibilities for new adventures and stories are infinite. Share your #AmtrakStories with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Room to Roam:

Before the Turkey Day festivities begin, treat yourself and your family to spacious and comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, the café car and enjoy many other amenities onboard the train.

 

Affordable Travel:

Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of special deals and promotions including discounts for AAA members, students, military, seniors, children (ages 12 and under get 50% off) and more.

 

Know your Perks:

Have you signed up for Amtrak Guest Rewards®? Earn points when you ride and participate with our partners, then redeem them for valuable rewards like free Amtrak travel and more. Visit https://amtrakguestrewards.com/info to join.



#8 KevinKorell

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Posted 25 November 2015 - 01:49 AM


 


Amtrak Cascades Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule



Effective November 25, 2015

 

To better accommodate our passengers on the busiest travel days of the year, adjustments have been made to the following trains on Wednesday, November 25, 2015:


 

Trains 503 and 505

 

Train 505, which normally operates on weekends, will operate on November 25, 2015. Train 505 will depart Portland at 8:30 am, and make all intermediate stops through arriving at Eugene at 11:05 am. Because Train 505 will operate on November 25, 2015, Train 503 will be replaced by buses.


 

Trains 500 and 506

 

Train 506, which normally operates on weekends, will operate on November 25, 2015. Train 506 will depart Eugene at 9:00 am and make all intermediate stops through its arrival at Seattle at 3:50 pm. Because Train 506 will operate on November 25, 2015, Train 500 will be replaced by buses.


 

Trains 502 and 504

 

Train 502, which normally operates on weekends will operate on November 25, 2015. Train 502 will depart Portland at 8:20 am and will make all intermediate stops through its arrival at Seattle at 12 noon. Because Train 502 will operate on November 25, 2015, Train 504 will be canceled.

 

Thank you for traveling aboard Amtrak Cascades. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience. For reservations, train status information or to plan a trip, visit www.AmtrakCascades.com, use the free Amtrak mobile apps or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

 

Like us at http://www.Facebook/AmtrakCascades or follow us at http://www.Twitter.com/Amtrak_Cascades  .



Kevin Korell


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