Latest News

All aboard for National Train Day

Category: Ride Trains

Published Date

Written by Randy Garbin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amtrak will host the third annual National Train Day on May 8, 2010, with events across the country to celebrate America's love for trains. National Train Day commemorates the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad's inception by bringing to life the rich narrative of how trains transformed America. Large-scale, family- friendly events will be held in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles.

National Train Day celebrates the train's impact on our country and provides an opportunity for Americans to further understand the influence rail has on the future of transportation in America, said Emmett H. Fremaux, vice president, marketing and product management, Amtrak.

With a greater national focus on energy efficiency in travel, trains are already a leading alternative with 20 percent more fuel efficiency than commercial airlines and 28 percent more efficiency than car travel per passenger mile.

Trains have always been an important part of this country's fabric and with the spotlight on green and increasing options for intercity and high-speed rail growth, it's clear that they will continue to drive innovation in transportation.

On May 8, Amtrak will host free events, from 11:00am – 4:00pm, in four of its gateway stations across the U.S.: Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. In addition, local communities across the country are encouraged to develop and host their own National Train Day celebrations. More than 140 local celebrations took place in 2009 and Amtrak expects even more in 2010.

National Train Day Exhibits and Festivities

As part of National Train Day, each major market event will feature live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kid's entertainment, food demonstrations, model train

displays, and tours of notable private railroad cars, Amtrak equipment, freight, and commuter trains. Train enthusiasts attending National Train Day events will enjoy the following exhibits:

Trains Move our Economy Exhibit: Discover how upgrades to Amtrak's infrastructure and expansion of intercity and high-speed corridors will create jobs and establish a greener, world-class rail transportation system.

Go-Green Express: Eco Exhibit: Learn about how Amtrak is providing greener options for travel, including energy efficient locomotives, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and alternative fuel trials.

National Park Service Trails & Rails Exhibit: National Park Service, Trails & Rails, Volunteers and Rangers will be stationed throughout the event to meet with the public and highlight how trains have historically impacted the National Park Service and explain its current partnership with Amtrak.

Culinary Exhibit: Explore the history of dining on trains, view live-cooking demonstrations from Amtrak chefs and sample meals offered in Amtrak's dining cars.

Train Equipment Displays: At the newly expanded train displays, get up close and personal with Amtrak equipment to experience first-hand the modern amenities and accommodations offered by passenger rail. Then get an inside peek at how passengers traveled in generations past by touring a variety of historic train cars and privately-owned luxury coaches.

Model Train Displays: Delight in the craft of model train displays and take a closer look at these miniature masterpieces.

Amtrak Brand Display – Enjoy the Journey: Learn more about Amtrak's range of connectivity, routes, train technology, amenities and onboard offerings.

AmtraKids Depot: Enjoy magicians, face painters, arts and crafts, interactive games and giveaways at the AmtraKids Depot.

Snapshot Station: Snap a photo in front of custom train-themed backdrops for a fun National Train Day keepsake.

For more information and to see what events are taking place near you, click on this link for the National Train Day official website.