Amtrak is expecting an excellent summer season for its travel destinations, resulting from low fares and expanded services.
Their positivity is based on advanced reservations, which they say is already showing an increased travel demand over the previous summer — at least for July. Individuals who book their trips early are getting the best rates, and Amtrak expects more than 320,000 customers to hit the rails over Memorial Day week. They expect the Northeast Regional, Acela Express, and the Pacific Surfliner to see some of the heaviest passenger loads.
“On Amtrak trains, customers can visit the most popular cities in the country for their summer travel, whether it’s to catch a baseball game, explore a new city, experience a summer musical festival, have an outdoor biking or hiking adventure or take it easy and relax at a beach,” Tim Griffin, Amtrak Chief Marketing Officer, said.
Buoying these efforts have been several modern updates to make the rides smoother. For example, there has been an upgrade to free Wi-Fi provided on Northeast Corridor trains, redone interiors, greater ability to travel with pets and bikes, and — unlike plane travel — the ability to use phones and electronic devices at all times. They have also cited a baggage policy that allows several free carry-on and checked items alike, along with seating capabilities that provide more legroom than planes can provide.