NEWS



National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Amtrak Intercity
210 South Canal Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Fax: 312 655-2565


	   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				        ATK-96-36 
March 8, 1996						        Contacts: Marc Magliari  312-655-1338   										  Mary Deatrick 407-875-1111


AMTRAK "EXPLORE AMERICA FARE" TO COVER LOTS OF GROUND AT A GREAT PRICE

	CHICAGO -- The Amtrak Explore America Fare, a convenient, exciting and cost-conscious way to "Go Where You Wanna Go, Do What You Wanna Do," was unveiled today.   NBC-TV Today Show personality Willard Scott served as "guest engineer" for the event held in the Great Hall of Chicago Union Station.

	With lyrics to the Mamas and Papas song "Go Where You Wanna Go, Do What You Wanna Do" echoing off the walls of the historic building, the Amtrak Explore America Fare was introduced as a way for individuals and families to take their own specialized Amtrak train tour of the U.S. at great low prices.

	The Spring fares of $158 for one region, $198 for two regions and $278 for the entire Amtrak system enable a passenger to travel for up to 30 days with unlimited stopovers.  Summer fares are $50 higher for travel after June 16, 1996.  All travel must be booked by May 15, 1996.

	"The Amtrak Explore America Fare provides a great opportunity for Americans to discover 
domestic destinations and experience them in a comfortable and exciting way," said Steve Scott, Marketing and Revenue Development Vice President for Amtrak's Intercity business unit.  

	"European travelers can also use the Amtrak Explore America Fare for extended vacations or as an add-on for a trip to the Summer Olympics in Atlanta," he added.

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	Up to two children (ages 2 to 15) traveling with an adult can travel for half-fare, passengers aged 62 and older are eligible for a 15 percent discount off the posted Amtrak Explore America Fare and students with an Amtrak "Student Advantage" card are also eligible for a 15 percent discount.

	When ticketed, travelers will also receive a free trip journal to track their vacations and save even more money with discounts enclosed from Amtrak partners Visa USA, Choice Hotels and Avis.  Customers using VISA as their charge card are entitled to:
	
	 	A five percent discount on Amtrak's on-board sleeping accommodations;
	 	A 10 percent discount off the rack rate or room upgrades at Clarion Hotels, Quality Inns, Sleep Inns, Rodeway Inns and Econo Lodges;
	 	Up to $20 off, free weekend rentals or free upgrades from Avis.

	The trip journals also include the classic names still used by many Amtrak trains, including the Sunset Limited, a 3,000-mile trans-continental odyssey from Los Angeles to Miami; the Capitol Limited and the Cardinal across the mountains and on to the prairies from Washington, D.C., to Chicago; the California  Zephyr and Southwest Chief from Chicago to Oakland and Los Angeles; the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle and Portland, the Lake Shore Limited from New York and Boston to Chicago and the Silver Star and Silver Meteor from New York to Miami and Tampa.

	These and many other long-and-medium-distance train names appear in the journal, with Amtrak conductors encouraged to use their distinctive ticket-punches to help customers keep track of travels.  Special journals for children include kids puzzles and games.

	"The Amtrak Explore America Fare addresses three specific trends in the travel industry," said Steve Scott.  "First, travel is gaining importance as a way for families to reconnect.  Amtrak offers extended vacations with time for sightseeing and sharing instead of folding road maps and reading road signs.- more -
					
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	"Also, consumers are anxiously seeking more fun and new experiences.  With more than 500 destinations, Amtrak now makes it easier than ever to add variety to a vacation," he continued.  "Lastly, Americans are looking for ways to simplify their lives and we're offering one-stop shopping for lasting vacation memories."

	The Amtrak Explore America Fare, which is commissionable to travel agents at 10 percent, is for coach travel.  Upgrades are sold on a space-available basis for sleeping car compartments.

	Please see an authorized Amtrak travel agent, visit a staffed Amtrak station or call 
1-800-USA-RAIL for details on this fare and any restrictions.

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