Travel Safely Anywhere Between Boston and Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON – To commemorate 20 years of Acela service throughout the Northeast Corridor (NEC),Amtrak is Acela-celebrating by offering customers the opportunity to travel on its premium product one way in Business class for only $20 from anywhere between Boston and Washington, D.C. The sale is available for purchase from Tuesday, Nov. 10, to Thursday, Nov. 12 and is valid for travel between Nov. 16 through Dec. 17 with blackout dates during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24, 25, and 28 through 30) and on Fridays and Sundays. Other restrictions may apply and the fare may not be available on all departures.
As part of its partnership with experts from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health [1], Amtrak’s new, enhanced safety initiatives and amenities, including the recently introduced Reserved Seating [2] offering, will continue to be in effect for customers and employees on our trains and at our stations.
“Celebrating 20 years of Acela service is an incredible milestone that we are proud to celebrate. We would like to thank our customers and give them a chance to see the changes we’ve made to the experience by offering an exceptionally low fare of only $20,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “For anyone who has been curious about the premium travel experience on our flagship product, this is your chance to ride Acela for a special, low fare that is only available for two days.”
In addition to aggressive steps to enhanced cleaning protocols at stations and on trains, Amtrak has implemented new measures to deliver a New Standard of Travel [3], including:
- Face coverings: For your well-being and ours, Amtrak requires that all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations unless actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Based on guidance from health authorities [4], neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind do not qualify as acceptable face coverings. Face masks can be removed on board when customers are in their private rooms with doors closed. If a customer has a medical condition that makes the customer unable to wear such a standard face covering, a facial shield is an appropriate substitute. Children under 2 years old are exempt from wearing a face covering. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols: Amtrak is following industry recommendations for deep cleaning and sanitization of its trains prior to service. In partnership with RB, the makers of Lysol [5], Amtrak is enhancing its disinfection measures in high touch areas in trains, stations and lounges. Specific Lysol products proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will be used in specific frequently touched areas where germs are most prevalent.
- Limiting bookings: We are limiting bookings on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
- Air Quality: All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
The introduction of Acela, Amtrak’s premium service, was the cornerstone of a larger effort to refresh the Amtrak brand as the company entered the 21st century. More than 52.5 million passengers have traveled on the current fleet of 20 Acela trainsets in 20 years since revenue service began on Dec. 11, 2000.
Amtrak is also investing in new high-speed trainsets to improve service on the NEC. Scheduled to enter service in late 2021, Amtrak’s new fleet of Acela trains will feature nearly 25% more seats, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights at every seat, complimentary Wi-Fi, spacious restrooms with a 60-inch diameter turning radius, and the surpassed accessibility requirements for people with disabilities. Additionally, train travel on the NEC is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. According to the 2019 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book, Amtrak is 47 percent more energy efficient than traveling by car and 36 percent more energy efficient than domestic air travel. In addition to rail travel offering lower emissions per passenger mile, Amtrak has been reducing fuel and energy usage year-over-year with several initiatives including energy efficiency upgrades, improved train handling, and more energy efficient locomotives. Since 2010, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, which is equivalent to removing roughly 51,251 passenger vehicles from the road.
There are no change fees through Dec. 31 and cancellation fees are effective for tickets purchased on and after Nov. 1. Seating is limited, seats may not be available on all trains at all times; fares are subject to availability and this offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. In addition to the discount restrictions. This offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Once travel has begun; no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Cancellation fees and other restrictions may apply. Amtrak and Acela are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
Acela is the fastest train in the Western Hemisphere, with a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 kph) on sections of its route between Boston and New Haven and 135 mph (217 kph) between New York City and Washington, D.C. Acela serves 16 stations in nine states – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and DC. On average, Amtrak train travel produces 67% fewer emissions per passenger than flying and 79% fewer emissions than driving alone.