Source: articlesbase.com
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation was created by Congress in 1970 to take over the passenger rail services previously required to be operated by private freight railroad companies in the United States. Those companies reported they had operated the services without profit for over a decade. The vast majority of passenger rail routes in existence at that time were shut down to focus the service on the most heavily used lines. The popular nickname “Amtrak†was created as a blend of the words “America†and “track.†Amtrak provides a number of rail pass programs to entice prospective passengers and their families on their trains. Here are three tips/hints for travelling on Amtrak rail passes: One: Buy the pass that fits your vacation need. You must consider the number of days and the number of segments on which you wish to travel. A segment takes place any time you get on and then get off a vehicle (train, bus, ferry or other allowable leg) regardless of length. Therefore if you travel from Chicago to Whitefish, MT on the Empire Builder, get off the train to visit Glacier National Park for a week and get back on the Empire Builder to Seattle, you have used two segments. The 15 day USA Rail Pass allows eight segments, the 30 day pass allows 12 segments and the 45 day pass allows 18 segments. Alternatively, the California Rail Pass gives you the ability to travel in the Golden State on any seven days in a 21 day period. If you are on a train that arrives at your destination at 12:15 am, you have travelled on two days. Two: You must be cognizant of the pass’ restrictions. Both passes cannot be canceled if it has been used for travel. The rail pass is for travel in regular Coach Class seats. Certain trains are excluded for travel. Business Class or Sleeping Accommodations require additional fees. You are restricted to four one-way journeys over a given route segment. You must make advanced reservations for travel in addition to holding the pass. Rail passes are not transferable. Three: On the positive side, children passes are discounted. Up to two children riding with a fare-paying adult may receive a rail pass for half-price. One child under two may ride free with each fare-paying adult. Also, American and Canadian citizens can by the USA Rail Passes. Previously, only non-North Americans could get Amtrak’s best deal!
Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak">http://www.passengertraininfo.com/â€">Amtrak Train Stations Across America website. At http://www.passengertraininfo.com/amtrakrailpasses.aspx">http://www.passengertraininfo.com/amtrakrailpasses.aspxâ€">http://www.passengertraininfo.com/amtrakrailpasses.aspx you will find additional information on USA and California Rail Passes and Amtrak train stations.
