I thought this was an interesting tidbit: in an effort to highlight trains as convenient, energy efficient, environmentally sound ways to travel, Amtrak will hold its second annual National Train Day in May to mark the 140th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
The event, slated for May 9, Amtrak will host free events in four of its gateway stations across the U.S. — D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles.
From The Washington Business Journal:
The transcontinental railroad was officially created on May 10, 1869, when a golden spike was driven into the tie that connected the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways at Promontory Point, Utah.
At Union Station, festivities will include live music, interactive green exhibits, VIP appearances, a kids section, and model train and art exhibits.
Communities across the U.S. will also develop and host their own events.
Members of Amtrak’s loyalty program, which lets frequent train travelers earn points redeemable for free travel, can earn double points for any trip between March 16 and May 8 and quadruple points for any trip taken on May 9.
Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system.
