Benefit News: Amtrak Offers Increased Service and Convenient Transportation to Inauguration Activities

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is making it easier for people to travel to the Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 and surrounding activities by offering additional trains and seating capacity in the days before and after the event.

Amtrak has already expanded its operating plan to include:

• Added capacity for Amtrak Northeast Regional service Jan. 20-23.
• Additional round-trips on Acela Express and Northeast Regional services on Jan. 21.

Amtrak will continue to closely monitor the needs of its customers for the inauguration, and adjust its operating plan as needed.

All Amtrak trains in the Northeast require reservations and ticket purchases prior to boarding. Tickets for all Amtrak trains are available but customers are advised to book as early as possible to ensure availability. Customers can purchase tickets on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.

“We’re proud to be able to provide a vital transportation service to this historic event,” said Jason Molfetas, Amtrak EVP/Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. “Our customers who have traveled with us in the past know that there is no better way to get into and out of D.C. during Inauguration week than with Amtrak. Many of the streets into the city will be closed in the days leading up to the Inauguration, and Amtrak takes you right into the heart of the activities. Many of the Inauguration events and festivities are just blocks away from Union Station.”

Large crowds are expected in and around Washington, D.C., so Amtrak is working with local, state and federal officials to ensure a safe and memorable weekend. Before traveling to or through Washington, D.C., here are a few tips to keep in mind before heading out the door:

• Allow additional time to arrive at the station before departure.
• Don’t chance missing your train: due to increased ticket demand, customers are encouraged to pick up roundtrip tickets (departure and return) before boarding the train for Washington.
• Due to larger crowds and increased security, access to Washington Union Station may be limited to select points of entry on Friday, Jan. 20, and throughout the weekend. Please follow special signage to reach boarding gates for Amtrak, commuter and transit services, and the parking garage and bus deck.
• Amtrak Ambassadors wearing high-visibility vests will be on-hand to assist customers at Washington Union Station and several other Northeast Corridor stations including New York Penn, Philadelphia 30th Street, Wilmington and Baltimore.
• With numerous trains arriving within short time frames, trains may take turns unloading customers to prevent unsafe overcrowding conditions in the station. Customers with special needs should specifically request assistance when making reservations.
• Special pedestrian traffic patterns in and around Washington Union Station will be in effect. Follow the instructions of station personnel and law enforcement for exiting and entering the station.

Additional announcements with more detailed information will be made in the upcoming weeks and posted to the Amtrak.com website, which will be updated regularly.