Category Archives: FYI

Announcements, FYI, News

Save 20% on Amtrak Travel in Michigan

Enjoy a Ride between the Great Lakes

See the great state of Michigan as it’s meant to be seen on the Blue Water, Pere Marquette and Wolverine and save 20% through April 29, 2010.

Getting there is half the fun — and on the train your time is your own. Catch up with friends or a good book. Or tune out and enjoy the view. There’s a lot to see in Michigan, such as more than twenty historically preserved cities like Lapeer, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Or visit Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. Plus, the lively university town of Ann Arbor is a center for performing arts.

Get ready to see everything between the Lakes, and save 20% on a ticket when you click on the “Book It Now” button.

Terms and Conditions
  • Valid for 20% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for sale January 1, 2009 – April 29, 2010.
  • Valid for travel January 2 – April 30, 2010.
  • Blackout dates:
     – January 3 – 4, 2010
     – February 12 and 15, 2010
     – April 2 and 4 – 5, 2010
  • Offer is valid for travel on the Blue Water, Pere Marquette and Wolverine only.
  • Reservations must be made at least three days prior to travel date.
  • Up to two children ages 2-15 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Seating is limited, seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
  • Valid for Coach seats only; upgrade to Business class is allowed upon payment of full applicable accommodation fee.
  • Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
  • Subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased and upon which the discount is based.
  • Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.
  • Not combinable with any other discount offer.
  • Other restrictions may apply.

Book your reservation on Amtrak’s website:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Content_C/1246042803253/1

Announcements, FYI

2010 “Northern Arrow” passenger train trip to Petoskey announced

The Cincinnati Railway Company is pleased to announce the itinerary fro the 2010 “Northern Arrow” private car trip to Petoskey Michigan.  This year’s trip will feature up to twenty private cars and will travel exclusively on Regional and Short Line Railroads.  

The Cincinnati Railway Company will have three of their cars participating.  The Dome car Observatory will be going along with the Sleeper Birch Grove and the Business car Chapel Hill.  Passengers will have the freedom to utilize all three cars during the trip.  This includes the twenty-person dome and lower lounge area of the Observatory, the lower lounge and rear porch of the Chapel Hill, and the bedrooms of the Birch Grove.

Please call Devan at 513-791-7245 to book your reservation.  Rates include all food and drink while rolling, transportation, and lodging.  For a full trip itinerary, visit the website http://www.cincinnatirailway.com/pet.htm

                                                   ROOM  RATES  
Birch Grove    
  Bedroom – Double Occupancy  $      4,450.00
  Bedroom – Single Occupancy  $      3,900.00
  Roomette – Single Occupancy  $      2,295.00
     
Observatory    
  Bedroom B – Double Occupancy  $      4,900.00
  Bedroom C – Double Occupancy  $      4,900.00
  Bedroom B – Single Occupancy  $      4,200.00
  Bedroom C – Single Occupancy  $      4,200.00
     
Chapel Hill    
  Master Bedroom A – Double Occupancy  $      4,700.00
  Bedroom C – Double Occupancy  $      4,900.00
  Bedroom D – Double Occupancy  $      4,900.00
  Master Bedroom A – Single Occupancy  $      4,250.00
  Bedroom B – Single Occupancy  $      4,200.00
  Bedroom C – Single Occupancy  $      4,250.00
  Bedroom D – Single Occupancy  $      4,250.00
     
Announcements, FYI

SRI announces 2010 North Pole Express schedule

Press Release from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso:

North Pole Express 2010

train

Nothing touches a childs imagination like the magic of Christmas. Share the joy this holiday season by taking the family on a magical train ride to the North Pole. This exciting four-hour journey includes hot cocoa, visits with Santa, holiday rides, model railroad displays, live entertainment, holiday crafts and shopping in the Kris Kringle Mart. Passengers will enjoy the nostalgic ambiance of riding the American rail while viewing the winter scenery of Mid-Michigan. Passengers depart from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, and will be riding the rails in vintage passenger cars that will be pulled by one of Great Lakes Central’s historical diesel locomotives. General admission is $70 for adults and $40 for children (12 and under) and are non-refundable. Private coach and caboose rates also available.

NEW in 2010!!! Cocoa Class – Add an extra touch of sweetness to your trip to the North Pole by experiencing specially topped, unlimited cocoa served in your very own North Pole Express souvenir mug. This tasty option would not be complete without a homemade cookie like grandma used to make. “Cocoa Class” will enhance this unforgettable experience. $85 for adults and $55 for children (12 and under). Space is limited, so be sure to tell your friends and family to book their seats today.

 2010 Dates & Times are as Follows:

Departure Dates Departure Times
Friday, November 26 9:30am & 3:30pm
Saturday, November 27 9:30am & 3:30pm
Sunday, November 28 9:30am & 3:30pm
Saturday, December 4 9:30am & 3:30pm
Sunday, December 5 9:30am & 3:30pm
Saturday, December 11 9:30am & 3:30pm
Sunday, December 12 9:30am & 3:30pm
Saturday, December 18 9:30am & 3:30pm
Sunday, December 19 9:30am & 3:30pm

 Click Here to Order Tickets Today

Announcements, FYI, News

Amtrak Plans Events to Celebrate National Train Day

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Amtrak National Train DayAmtrak will host the third annual National Train Day on May 8 with events across the country to celebrate America‘s love for trains. National Train Day commemorates the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad‘s inception by bringing to life the rich narrative of how trains transformed America. Large-scale, family-friendly events will be held in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles.

National Train Day celebrates the train‘s impact on our country and provides an opportunity for Americans to further understand the influence rail has on the future of transportation in America, said Emmett H. Fremaux, vice president, marketing and product management, Amtrak. With a greater national focus on energy efficiency in travel, trains are already a leading alternative with 20 percent more fuel efficiency than commercial airlines and 28 percent more efficiency than car travel per passenger mile.

On May 8, Amtrak will host free events, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in four of its gateway stations across the U.S. In addition, local communities nationwide are encouraged to develop and host their own National Train Day celebrations. More than 140 local celebrations took place in 2009 and Amtrak expects even more in 2010. As part of National Train Day, each major market event will feature live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids’ entertainment, model train displays and tours of notable private railroad cars, Amtrak equipment, freight and commuter trains. For more information, visit www.nationaltrainday.com  or www.amtrak.com.

FYI, News

GENETSKI TO FIGHT FOR PERE MARQUETTE

February 25, 2010

Michigan’s transportation department’s proposal to close the Pere Marquette rail service between Grand Rapids and Chicago would be a costly mistake for the state’s economic development and tourism interests, according to local lawmakers.

State Rep. Bob Genetski was among five southwest Michigan representatives who sent a letter on Feb. 23 to Kirk T. Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation director, highlighting the importance of the rail line to families and local communities.

“The train service provides economical transportation for workers commuting to jobs between Grand Rapids and Chicago, and families use the Pere Marquette to make lasting vacation memories while traveling to our picturesque local communities along the lakeshore and in the region,” said Genetski, R-Saugatuck. “Our towns are seeing some growth as a direct result of the rail service. Any reduction in the service will diminish the opportunities the train has been delivering successfully for the last quarter century.”

The lawmakers’ letter points to the exponential business and population growth in the city of Grand Rapids in recent years, as well as in other southwest Michigan communities such as New Buffalo, Niles, South Haven and Holland. The document also mentions the valuable link the rail service provides to Chicago residents who travel north into Michigan for recreation and vacation opportunities.

Another argument for the Pere Marquette line comes from MDOT’s own Web site, which reported that “from 2002 to 2008, Amtrak ridership in Michigan has grown by 60 percent,” and “Pere Marquette service has grown every year since 2001.”

“Michigan is searching for solutions to turn our economy and job market around,” Genetski said. “Those answers won’t be found in one magic box, but in many smaller pieces of the puzzle. The Pere Marquette is not only a piece of that, but it actually helps connect many of the other parts.
“It doesn’t make sense for the state department to eliminate or even reduce something that is working for Michigan and its residents.”
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