HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – In what will be on of the busiest travel weeks of the year, Amtrak is providing extra trains for travel in Michigan over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Michigan’s ridership on state-sponsored Amtrak trains has increased in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 to 738,837, an 8 percent improvement over the previous year. This increase in ridership can be attributed to reduced delays as well as a full schedule of trains operating on the Chicago-to-Detroit/Pontiac Wolverine service corridor.
The Chicago-to-Holland/Grand Rapids Pere Marquette service saw the next significant improvement in ridership of 4 percent, with sales of $3.2 million. Marc Magliari the Chicago Amtrak spokesman says this is one of their most popular routes.
“People who don’t want to drive all the way into Grand Rapids who are on the south side or are looking for free parking in a great place, they come to Holland. Holland and Grand Rapids are the top two stations on this route. This is an important route to us under contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation.”
All three Michigan Amtrak routes are state-sponsored. Except for special Thanksgiving trains, the Wolverine offers three daily round trips, while the Blue Water and Pere Marquette offer one daily round trip.
To ensure a smooth trip, Amtrak recommends:
- Purchasing tickets: Travelers can purchase tickets using the refreshed Amtrak website, at Quik-TrakSM ticket kiosks, ticket windows at staffed stations (where available), Amtrak mobile apps, or 800-USA-RAIL.
- Avoid the rush, arrive early: The busiest travel days are the Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Morning trains typically have more availability. Customers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before departure, especially if picking up tickets.
- Enhanced experience: Trains feature free Wi-Fi, the freedom to always use electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), large spacious seats, ample leg room, and no middle seat.
- 2+2 = Free: Amtrak has the friendliest baggage policy in the travel industry. Customers can bring two bags and two carry-ons, up to 150 pounds collectively, for free.
- Travel with your furry friend: For only $25, cats and small dogs (20 pounds or less) are welcome for trips up to seven hours on most routes.
- Check train schedules: Check holiday train schedules and status before arriving at the station on Amtrak.com, Track Your Train on the Amtrak website, or Amtrak mobile apps.
- Carry photo ID: Passengers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets and carry valid photo ID at all times aboard trains.
- Safety first: If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity or unattended items to an Amtrak employee or member of the Amtrak Police Department at 800-331-0008, by calling 911, or by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone, or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.
