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Index to recent news postings Rail Travel News is a twice-monthly print publication, published since
Dec 10, 1970.
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AMTRAK FARE INCREASES ARE ON AGAIN
Amtrak's postponed fare increase will now take effect on Oct 4. On that date, fares on most trains will increase 5-7%. Amrak said in a release: The first change will take place on October 4, when a general fare increase averaging $3 to $4 will be implemented. As such, fares across the country will increase 5-7% on most trains, including Acela Express (7%), Regionals (5%), long-distance coach (7%) and long-distance sleeper (5%) charges. The second change, which applies to commuter tickets, will begin on October 16. In response to suggestions and comments received over the last few weeks, Amtrak will reduce the discounts on the commuter tickets in two steps with the first half of the change on October 16 and the second half in February 2006. The changes are going into effect on October 16 to provide passengers with sufficient prior notification. Amtrak serves about 2,000 Smart Pass monthly passengers in the Northeast Corridor, most of whom commute between Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. The current monthly fare is discounted at approximately 70% for commuters - the deepest discount in the industry. It will be adjusted to allow passengers to enjoy approximately a 60% discount starting October 16, reducing the previously announced fare increase in half. In February 2006, the monthly discount will be adjusted to 50%. At both a 50% and a 60% discount, the monthly Smart Pass fare will remain the largest offered to commuters by any railroad. Smart Pass 10-trip tickets will be adjusted on October 16 to provide passengers with a 20% discount. The third overall change will take place on October 4, when Amtrak will
begin to revenue manage some trains in the Northeast Corridor to better
match fares to demand periods. Those trains include Regionals, Empire Service,
The Vermonter, The Adirondack, the Springfield/Hartford Shuttles, and Keystones
between Philadelphia and New York. While the standard fares for these trains
will increase 5% (as stated above), passengers with flexibility to travel
at off-peak times will be able to take advantage of lower fares.
Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund government entities through Nov 18. This includes Amtrak, which will be funded at a lower level than the previous year--the amount voted by the House, or $1.176 billion, a 2.5% decrease. Congress may take up the transportaton funding bill again the week of Oct 17. NARP said the main aim of rail advocates then is to maintain the $1.45 billion funding level set by the Senate and remove restrictive language about food and other amenities. Because Senate work on the Amtrak funding bill should occur
very shortly, various rail advocacy groups are urging citizens to contact
their Senators immediately in support of full $1.45 billion funding for
Amtrak in the coming fiscal year, and also to remove from the Appropriations
committee version the destructive language regarding sleeping/ dining facilities,
the management of which should remain at the discretion of Amtrak and not
legislated. In addition, they should be urged to support Senate Bill 1516,
Amtrak Authorization (PRIIA).
AMTRAK TO DELAY FARE INCREASE (Sep 16) The upgraded Berkeley CA Amtrak stop was ceremonially opened on Saturday, Sep 17. AMTRAK TO RAISE FARES SEP 20 AMTRAK PRESIDENT UPDATES EMPLOYEES ON GULF COAST SITUATION AMTRAK SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE GULF COAST EVACUATION IN TODAY'S TRANSPORTATION MONOCULTURE By Robert W. Rynerson EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA UPON LOUISIANA (Aug 29) AMTRAK LAUNCHES UPGRADED EMPIRE BUILDER STARLIGHT TO EMPIRE BUILDER CONNECTION ENDED DOWNEASTER FUNDING IS ASSURED PIONEER ROUTE REINSTATEMENT REQUESTED IN LOTT BILL LOTT-LAUTENBERG BILL PROVISIONS IMPORTANT FOR PASSENGER RAIL SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES LOTT-LAUTENBERG AMTRAK AUTHORIZATION BILL SENATE COMMITTEE TO ACT ON AMTRAK AUTHORIZATION TODAY NARP applauds their bill SENATE COMMITTEE ADDS $50 MILLION TO AMTRAK FUNDING CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR TO BE HIT WITH DETOURS IN LATE SUMMER AND FALL CALIFORNIA TRAINS REACH MORE RIDERSHIP RECORDS SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE OKAYS $1.4 BILLION FOR AMTRAK DOT WANTS TO CUT OUT SLEEPING CAR, DINER, LOUNGE AND CHECKED BAGGAGE SERVICE ON AMTRAK TO SAVE MONEY. NARP RELEASES REBUTTAL TO PROPOSAL: HOUSE VOTE SAVES AMTRAK FUNDING SUMMER SOLSTICE IN BERLIN 1971 HOUSE COMMITTEE FAILS TO INCREASE AMTRAK FUNDS
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DOT'S MINETA HARASSING AMTRAK &
AMTRAK'S REPLY TO THE MINETA LETTER
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