| The National Railroad Passenger Corporation was | | | | have used two segments. The 15 day USA Rail Pass |
| created by Congress in 1970 to take over the | | | | allows eight segments, the 30 day pass allows 12 |
| passenger rail services previously required to be | | | | segments and the 45 day pass allows 18 segments. |
| operated by private freight railroad companies in the | | | | Alternatively, the California Rail Pass gives you the |
| United States. Those companies reported they had | | | | ability to travel in the Golden State on any seven |
| operated the services without profit for over a | | | | days in a 21 day period. If you are on a train that |
| decade. The vast majority of passenger rail routes in | | | | arrives at your destination at 12:15 am, you have |
| existence at that time were shut down to focus the | | | | travelled on two days. |
| service on the most heavily used lines. The popular | | | | Two: You must be cognizant of the pass' restrictions. |
| nickname "Amtrak" was created as a blend of the | | | | Both passes cannot be canceled if it has been used |
| words "America" and "track." | | | | for travel. The rail pass is for travel in regular Coach |
| Amtrak provides a number of rail pass programs to | | | | Class seats. Certain trains are excluded for travel. |
| entice prospective passengers and their families on | | | | Business Class or Sleeping Accommodations require |
| their trains. Here are three tips/hints for travelling on | | | | additional fees. You are restricted to four one-way |
| Amtrak rail passes: | | | | journeys over a given route segment. You must |
| One: Buy the pass that fits your vacation need. You | | | | make advanced reservations for travel in addition to |
| must consider the number of days and the number | | | | holding the pass. Rail passes are not transferable. |
| of segments on which you wish to travel. A segment | | | | Three: On the positive side, children passes are |
| takes place any time you get on and then get off a | | | | discounted. Up to two children riding with a |
| vehicle (train, bus, ferry or other allowable leg) | | | | fare-paying adult may receive a rail pass for half-price. |
| regardless of length. Therefore if you travel from | | | | One child under two may ride free with each |
| Chicago to Whitefish, MT on the Empire Builder, get | | | | fare-paying adult. Also, American and Canadian |
| off the train to visit Glacier National Park for a week | | | | citizens can by the USA Rail Passes. Previously, only |
| and get back on the Empire Builder to Seattle, you | | | | non-North Americans could get Amtrak's best deal! |