Responding to increasing demand for Acela service among leisure travelers, Amtrak will add a fourth Acela roundtrip between Boston and New York on Sundays starting May 2, the railroad announced today
The new southbound train will depart Boston on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Three other Acela departures will continue to be offered at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Northbound from New York, the new Sunday train will depart at 2:03 p.m., with other Acela departures at 12:03 p.m., 4:03 p.m. and 6:03 p.m.
The additional Acela roundtrip is part of a broader timetable change, which takes effect April 26. Passengers may obtain updated schedule information online at www.amtrak.com, or by picking up a copy of the new timetable at an Amtrak station.
New England Acela ridership up 38%
Acela ridership north of New York surged 38 percent in the first five months of Fiscal Year 2004 (Oct.-Feb.) versus the same period a year ago. During the period, north-of-New York ridership was 301,211 - up from 218,155 in FY03.
Amtrak attributed the ridership gains to lower Acela fares that took effect in April 2003. Since then, Acela business class fares from Boston to New York have been $99 or less every day. First class service is available for only $50 more.
Seeking to build on these ridership results, Amtrak last month announced that passengers taking two Acela roundtrips between Boston and New York, Philadelphia or Washington before April 15 would be eligible to receive a free roundtrip from Amtrak Guest Rewards, the railroad's frequent traveler program. Additional details and enrollment are available online at www.amtrakguestrewards.com.
Low fares and generous incentives are not the only reason that over six million passengers have boarded Amtrak's high-speed trains since their introduction. There's the comfort of knowing that Acela Express tickets are fully refundable or exchangeable at anytime, without penalty. There's the convenience of arriving in the center of the city, avoiding expensive taxi fares and airport traffic. And, for the business traveler, there's the ability to actually work - or not work - aboard the train. All Acela Express trains provide the option of a Quiet Car, one car of the train designated as a sanctuary from the beeps, tones and rings of modern life where passengers can relax or work quietly without distractions.
And, whether working or not, passengers enjoy onboard amenities such as 120-volt power outlets for every seat, conference tables with seating for up to four passengers, and a bistro-style café car with draft beer service and an enhanced menu of meals and light snacks. Every seat features adjustable headrests, footrests, audio entertainment, and plenty of legroom.
First class passengers enjoy at-seat meals served on china, premium wine by the glass, priority boarding where available and access to Amtrak's ClubAcela first class lounges in Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
Amtrak offers 20 Acela Express trains between Boston and New York each weekday - 10 in each direction. Northbound weekday departures from New York are at 7:00 a.m., 8:03 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 10:03 a.m., 12:03 p.m., 3:03 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Southbound departures from Boston are at 5:15 a.m., 6:15 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
The full press release can be found here.
