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December 4, 2008 10:15:05 AM CST

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Amtrak

Amtrak news stories

5 Stories

Amtrak Sees Boom in
Riders as Fuel Costs Soar

But shrunken rail service is nearing capacity

New York Times New York Times Jun 21, 08 10:10 AM CDT
(Newser) - With fuel prices soaring, travelers are increasingly turning to Amtrak, which posted a record for passengers in May—not usually a big travel month, reports the New York Times . But the struggling rail service has shrunk so drastically since it was created in the '70s that it won't be able to respond to the passenger surge very quickly. “We’re starting to bump up against our own capacity constraints,” says an Amtrak rep. More »

More about:  travel • fuel costs • Amtrak • railroad

Bomb Dogs Will Ride Amtrak

Security stepped up on nation's rail system

Associated Press Associated Press Feb 19, 08 5:33 AM CST
(Newser) - Amtrak is stepping up security, with random screening of carry-on bags and security teams packing machine guns and leading bomb-sniffing dogs patrolling platforms and trains, reports AP. The new system, beginning this week, echoes stricter security procedures at the nation's airports. Amtrak insists there should be no additional departure delays . More »

Amtrak Deal Prevents Strike

Pact meets most of employee unions' demands

Associated Press Associated Press Jan 18, 08 5:03 PM CST
(Newser) - Amtrak struck a deal with nine of its labor unions today, heading off a potentially catastrophic strike that was scheduled to begin at the end of the month, the AP reports. Union members still must ratify the specifics, but sources say the deal grants the unions full payment of back wages while giving Amtrak none of its desired concessions on work rules. More »

More about:  labor unions • train • labor relations • Amtrak

30 Hurt in Amtrak Crash

Officials probing accident that critically injured 5 passengers

Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune Nov 30, 07 7:26 PM CST
(Newser) - Five were critically injured when an Amtrak passenger train rammed a stopped freight train in Chicago today, the Chicago Tribune reports. Nine more were seriously hurt, including five Amtrak workers, and another 30 suffered minor injuries. Officials, who freed some workers from the locomotive with hydraulic cutting tools, expect the toll will rise to 50 by the end of the day. More »

More about:  Chicago • accident • train • Amtrak

Amtrak Offers $100 Booze Bonus

Plush to lush: Amtrak hopes free drinks will  move luxury trips

Associated Press Associated Press Aug 2, 07 6:26 AM CDT
(Newser) - Amtrak is trying to lure high-end customers by offering $100 in free drinks to passengers who book luxury berths on certain overnight trips. The GrandLuxe trips, which start at $789,  feature gourmet meals—which already include free wine—and personal butler service. More »

More about:  travel • alcohol • train • transportation • Amtrak

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