Amtrak

Definition

Amtrak (formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) is a government-owned, for-profit corporation that offers intercity passenger rail services across 46 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to its primary services, Amtrak functions as a contractor for several commuter rail agencies, providing various operational and maintenance services.

Examples

Northeast Corridor (NEC): One of Amtrak’s busiest routes extending from Boston, Massachusetts, to Washington, D.C., passing through major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
Pacific Surfliner: A 351-mile route along the Southern California coast, running from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and serving cities like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Empire Builder: A long-distance route spanning approximately 2,200 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, covering destinations like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What services does Amtrak offer?

Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services, amenities including Wi-Fi, dining options, and accommodations such as coach, business, and sleeper cars. Amtrak also serves as a contractor for several commuter rail agencies.

Is Amtrak a government agency?

Amtrak operates as a government-owned corporation and is intended to function as a for-profit entity, though it receives subsidies from the federal government.

How many routes does Amtrak operate?

Amtrak operates over 30 routes that service 46 states and the District of Columbia, covering more than 500 destinations.

How can I purchase Amtrak tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through Amtrak’s official website, mobile app, ticket counters at stations, and through authorized travel agents.

Does Amtrak offer discounts?

Yes, Amtrak offers a variety of discounts for seniors, military personnel, students, children, and groups.

Intercity Passenger Rail: A rail service that connects different cities, often spanning significant distances.
Commuter Rail: Passenger trains that operate over relatively short distances, primarily in metropolitan regions, and are focused on daily commutes.
Government-owned Corporation: A business entity created by the government to undertake commercial activities on the government’s behalf.
For-Profit Corporation: A type of organization that aims to earn profit for its owners or shareholders.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Waiting on a Train: The Embattled Future of Passenger Rail Service—A Year Spent Riding across America” by James McCommons
“Amtrak: History of America’s Railroad” by Geoffrey H. Doughty
“Atlas of Railways” by P. Ransome-Wallis

Fundamentals of Amtrak: Transportation Basics Quiz

### Which of the following is the official trade name of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation? - [x] Amtrak - [ ] Via Rail - [ ] BNSF Railway - [ ] Union Pacific Railroad > **Explanation:** Amtrak is the official trade name of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, which operates intercity passenger rail services across the U.S. ### How many states do Amtrak services cover? - [ ] 50 states - [x] 46 states - [ ] 30 states - [ ] 40 states > **Explanation:** Amtrak provides services across 46 states and the District of Columbia. ### Which Amtrak route is known for serving cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.? - [ ] Empire Builder - [x] Northeast Corridor (NEC) - [ ] Sunset Limited - [ ] Coast Starlight > **Explanation:** The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is one of Amtrak’s busiest routes, connecting Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. ### What type of entity is Amtrak? - [x] Government-owned, for-profit corporation - [ ] Private non-profit organization - [ ] Private for-profit corporation - [ ] Federal agency > **Explanation:** Amtrak is a government-owned, for-profit corporation designed to operate intercity passenger rail services. ### In addition to intercity rail services, what other roles does Amtrak perform? - [ ] Air traffic control services - [ ] Highway maintenance - [x] Contracting services for commuter rail agencies - [ ] Maritime operations > **Explanation:** Amtrak also serves as a contractor for several commuter rail agencies, providing operational and maintenance services. ### What is the name of Amtrak's coastal California route? - [ ] Empire Builder - [ ] Cardinal - [x] Pacific Surfliner - [ ] Auto Train > **Explanation:** The Pacific Surfliner is the Amtrak route that runs along the Southern California coast, from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. ### How can you purchase tickets for Amtrak services? - [x] Through Amtrak's website, mobile app, ticket counters, and authorized travel agents - [ ] Only through authorized travel agents - [ ] Only through ticket counters at stations - [ ] Amtrak does not require tickets > **Explanation:** Amtrak tickets can be purchased through their official website, mobile app, ticket counters, and authorized travel agents. ### Does Amtrak receive any government subsidies? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Although Amtrak is intended to operate as a for-profit entity, it receives subsidies from the federal government. ### Which of the following is a long-distance Amtrak route that spans approximately 2,200 miles? - [x] Empire Builder - [ ] Acela Express - [ ] Northeast Corridor (NEC) - [ ] Pennsylvanian > **Explanation:** The Empire Builder is a long-distance Amtrak route covering approximately 2,200 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. ### What type of discount programs does Amtrak offer? - [ ] Only for frequent travelers - [ ] Only for government employees - [ ] Only for international travelers - [x] Seniors, military personnel, students, children, and groups > **Explanation:** Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, military personnel, students, children, and groups.

Thank you for diving into the various facets of Amtrak and challenging yourself with our transport basics quiz. Continue exploring and enhancing your knowledge of transportation systems!