Amtrak Takes New Step to Ensure Distancing on Trains

Users of multi-ride discount tickets will confirm each ride before travel

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is taking a new step to make certain our customers can easily distance themselves from each other on our busiest trains in the Northeast Corridor and on the Amtrak National Network. Effective Sept. 14, customers who purchase multi-ride tickets will confirm their travel on a specific train on a specific date.

This improvement to our discount program includes Northeast Regional trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., or Virginia, state-sponsored trains (except California’s Capitol Corridor and Pacific Surfliner), and some Amtrak Thruway bus services.

Previously, customers taking advantage of these monthly, ten-ride and six-ride discounts were unaware before boarding if their choice of trains was nearly (or already) sold-out. Beginning Sept. 14, multi-ride ticket buyers will confirm their travel on their choice of Amtrak trains using the new Amtrak RideReserve^SM tool on the Amtrak apps and on Amtrak.com or before departure at a staffed ticket window.

Confirmations are available up to 14 days prior to departure and for up to two trips per travel date (one in each direction). Also, by confirming a specific train on a specific date, customers who are also Amtrak Guest Rewards members can receive automated gate and track notifications and train status messages if there are any delays or disruptions.

Most important, information from the RideReserve confirmations will provide more data to properly manage the seating inventory, which allows us to limit sales to provide sufficient distancing for the safety of our customers.

“Amtrak riders already know we have no middle seats,” said Roger Harris, Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. “Now users of multi-ride tickets on reserved trains will have the comfort and confidence of knowing that there will be enough room on their train.”

The list of routes that offer the multi-ride discounts is on Amtrak.com. To learn more about our New Standard of Travel, visit the Amtrak Media Center.