More Than 300 Cities Celebrate How Trains Matter

MINOT, N.D., May 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Every state in America and tens of thousands of people today celebrated how trains matter to the nation during more than 300 events for the seventh annual National Train Day.

In Minot, N.D., this morning, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman and the state's Congressional delegation met at the city's historic Amtrak station to meet the public and share facts about how trains are an integral part of daily American life, connect communities, provide jobs and economic development, support local businesses and attract funds for infrastructure improvement.

"Trains have long been important to the growth and prosperity of our nation and today Amtrak supports our national economy and connectivity by moving America where it wants to go," said Boardman, who added that rail travel is a vital transportation alternative that is cost-efficient, environmentally friendly and in high public demand.

In addition, intercity passenger trains matter because they connect rural communities with major metropolitan areas and afford passengers more than 500 destinations – an option that has become increasingly important as airline and bus companies reduce service to significant regions of America.

Boardman spent more than three days this week in North Dakota, talking with community leaders on the Empire Builder route. Yesterday, Amtrak sponsored a hiring fair at Minot Air Force Base as part of a veterans hiring initiative, with a goal that 25 percent of new Amtrak hires be veterans by 2015.

Amtrak helped National Train Day events today in markets across the country served by America's Railroad®, including train equipment displays, family-friendly activities and local dignitaries. Details on local National Train Day events and information are available at NationalTrainDay.com.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America's Railroad®, the nation's intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward.  Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.  Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com. 

Note to editors: High-resolution infographics, including those in this news release and others, are available for download from PRNewswire or by contacting Amtrak Media Relations

Suggested tweets:

• Proud to be in an #Amtrak served community! Celebrate why @Amtrak trains matter at @NatlTrainDay. NTD2014.com #AmtrakNTD
• Today we celebrate why @Amtrak trains matter at @NatlTrainDay. RT if trains matter to you! NTD2014.com #AmtrakNTD
• From big cities to small towns, @Amtrak trains matter. NTD2014.com #AmtrakNTD

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140510/86354
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140510/86355
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140510/86356

SOURCE Amtrak

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