To help travelers planning on attending the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, Amtrak is offering additional trains and seating capacity in the days before and after the event.
As part of the plan to accommodate more travelers, Amtrak has added capacity for the Northeast Regional service between Jan. 20-23 and will make additional round trips on Acela Express and Northeast Regional services on Jan. 21. Amtrak officials announced that they will closely monitor the demand of customers leading up to the presidential inauguration and adjust its operating plan as needed.
"We're proud to be able to provide a vital transportation service to this historic event," Amtrak EVP Jason Molfetas said in a statement. "Our customers who have traveled with us in the past know that there is no better way to get into and out of D.C. during Inauguration week than with Amtrak. Many of the streets into the city will be closed in the days leading up to the Inauguration, and Amtrak takes you right into the heart of the activities. Many of the Inauguration events and festivities are just blocks away from Union Station."
Due to the large crowds expected in and around Washington, D.C., for the presidential inauguration, Amtrak officials are working with local, state and federal authorities to ensure the safety of all passengers.
To help make the experience of visiting Washington, D.C., an enjoyable one, Amtrak provided tips for travelers as they prepare to attend the inauguration, via Amtrak's official website:
_ Allow additional time to arrive at the station before departure.
_ Don't chance missing your train: due to increased ticket demand, customers are encouraged to pick up round-trip tickets (departure and return) before boarding the train for Washington.
_ Due to larger crowds and increased security, access to Washington Union Station may be limited to select points of entry on Friday, Jan. 20, and throughout the weekend. Please follow special signage to reach boarding gates for Amtrak, commuter and transit services, and the parking garage and bus deck.
_ Amtrak Ambassadors wearing high-visibility vests will be on-hand to assist customers at Washington Union Station and several other Northeast Corridor stations including New York Penn, Philadelphia 30th Street, Wilmington and Baltimore.
_ With numerous trains arriving within short time frames, trains may take turns unloading customers to prevent unsafe overcrowding conditions in the station. Customers with special needs should specifically request assistance when making reservations.
_ Special pedestrian traffic patterns in and around Washington Union Station will be in effect. Follow the instructions of station personnel and law enforcement for exiting and entering the station.
