Business & Tech
All Aboard, Fluffy and Rusty! Amtrak Now Welcoming Pets on Trains
Amtrak is announcing a new service to allow people to bring pets on select routes.
Now, you can bring your best friend with you on your trip, provided he or she is 20 pounds or less.
Amtrak announced that passengers will be able to travel with their small pets from Boston to Lynchburg, Newport News and Norfolk, VA, on the Northeast Regional service and between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, on the Downeaster route.
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Reservations are now available for travel beginning Monday, Oct. 12.
Successfully launching the pet program in Illinois, Amtrak decided to give the pilot program to passengers traveling the Northeast Corridor in New England.
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After a successful launch of its pets program in Illinois, Amtrak decided to bring this highly anticipated pilot program to passengers traveling along the Northeast Corridor and New England.
“We have listened to our passengers looking for other transportation options while traveling with their pets,” said Amtrak President and CEO
Joe Boardman in a statement. “We are pleased to bring this pilot program to the region.”
Passengers can take one cat or one small dog (20 pounds or less) on the train in an enclosed carrier on trips up to seven hours. The carrier must be placed under the owner’s seat. Pets must be at least eight weeks old with current vaccination records.
“Expanding the Pets on Trains program in the Northeast Corridor is a victory for American pet owners and for Amtrak, which can now serve individuals and families traveling with small dogs and cats,” said Rep. Jeff Denham of California in a statement. “This change will increase ridership and revenue for Amtrak while building on the success of the pilot program, paving the way for the future of pets on trains nationwide.”
Advance reservations are required and a surcharge of $25 will be assessed for travel. Passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to train departure to check-in at a ticket counter and sign a pet waiver form. Amtrak routinely welcomes service animals on trains at no charge and that policy is unchanged.
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