Amtrak

Amtrak is the trademark name of the intercity passenger train system created on May 1, 1971 in the United States. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, the trademark name Amtrak is a portmanteau of the words America, travel and track.

Amtrak routes and services

Amtrak has a complex albeit decentralized management structure wherein individual train conductors and other staff are assigned to particular routes or stations whereas ticket sales are managed by a nationwide computer system.

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As a general rule, even-numbered routes run north and east while odd numbered routes run south and west. However, some routes, such as the Pacific Surfliners, use the exact opposite numbering system, which they inherited from the previous operators of similar routes, such as the Santa Fe Railroad.

Related Topics:
Pacific Surfliner - Santa Fe Railroad

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Amtrak gives each of its train routes a name. These names often reflect the rich and complex history of the route itself, or of the area traversed by the route.

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Commuter services

Through various commuter services, Amtrak serves an additional 61.1 million passengers per year in conjunction with state and regional authorities in California, Washington, Maryland, Connecticut, and Virginia:

Related Topics:
California - Washington - Maryland - Connecticut - Virginia

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• CalTrain (San Francisco and San Jose)
• Sounder Commuter Rail (Seattle, Washington and the Puget Sound area)
• San Diego Coaster (San Diego)
• Maryland Rail Commuter Service (MARC)
• Shore Line East (Connecticut)
• Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

Amtrak previously provided the operating crew for Metrolink_%28Southern_California%29 but this contract was awarded to Connex who assumed operations on July 1, 2005 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_1_206/ai_n9505648.

Related Topics:
Metrolink_%28Southern_California%29 - Connex

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Freight services

Amtrak Express provides small package and less-than-truckload shipping services between more than 100 cities. Amtrak Express also offers station-to-station shipment of human remains to many express cities. At smaller stations, funeral directors must load and unload the shipment onto and off the train. Amtrak also hauled mail for the United States Postal Service as well as time sensitive freight shipments, but discontinued these services in October of 2004.

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On most parts of the few lines that Amtrak owns, it has trackage rights agreements allowing freight railroads to use its trackage.

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Intermodal connections

Intermodal connections between Amtrak trains and other transportation are available at many stations. With few exceptions, Amtrak rail stations located in downtown areas have connections to local public transit.

Related Topics:
Intermodal - Downtown areas - Public transit

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Amtrak also code shares with Continental Airlines providing service between Newark Liberty International Airport (via its Amtrak station) and Philadelphia 30th St, Wilmington, Stamford, and New Haven. In addition, Amtrak serves airport stations at Milwaukee and Baltimore.

Related Topics:
Continental Airlines - Newark Liberty International Airport - Its Amtrak station - Philadelphia 30th St - Wilmington - Stamford - New Haven - Milwaukee - Baltimore

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Amtrak also coordinates Thruway Motorcoach service to extend many of its routes, particularly in California.

Related Topics:
Thruway Motorcoach - California

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