Amtrak Offers Frequent Rider Program

W A S H I N G T O N, Nov. 30 -- Amtrak said today itwill begin rewarding frequent travelers with free traintickets, flights, hotel stays and other gifts as the U.S. railservice pushes to boost ridership before a 2003 deadline towean itself from government subsidies.

Train travelers will earn points for every trip under thenew program, Guest Rewards, launched in tandem with thebeginning of ticket sales for Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Expresstrain that begins service Dec. 11.

The company said the program will allow members to earnfree rail travel or flights on UAL Corp.’s UnitedAirlines, Continental Airlines and Midwest Express.

Two Points Per Dollar

Hilton Hotels Corp., Starwood Resorts & HotelsWorldwide Inc., Marriott International Inc. and Hertz Corp. areamong other participants in the program.

“[The program] is another important step in putting ourguests first,” Amtrak President and CEO George Warrington tolda news conference at Washington’s Union Station. “It willenergize the resurgence of rail travel.”

Members also have the option of redeeming their points forgift certificates with retailers and restaurants includingBarnes & Noble Inc. booksellers, Federated DepartmentStores Inc.’s Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, Spiegal Inc.’sEddie Bauer, and Darden Restaurants Inc.’s Olive Gardenand Red Lobster restaurants.

Travelers will earn two points per dollar spent on regularAmtrak routes and 500 points per trip segment on Acela Expressand Metroliner service between Washington, New York andBoston.

Not participating are US Airways and Delta Air Lines, the two airlines that provide frequent shuttle servicebetween Washington, New York and Boston.

Taking Airway Fliers

Amtrak, looking to take passengers away from the airlineswith its luxurious and fast Acela Express service, is alsocompeting with the airlines’ frequent flyer programs.

Delta offers travelers 500 mileage-points for eachtrip-segment on the same routes, while US Airways gives flyers500 points per flight, regardless of whether the trip includesmore than one leg.