WASHINGTON — Amtrak has restored the veterans’ discount on tickets, eliminated in March 2018 in a move widely criticized in the U.S. Congress and elsewhere.
Amtrak announced the decision in a Monday press release citing “a new way to save” for those who have served in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard: a 10% discount available systemwide. Active-duty military personnel are also eligible for the discount.
The discount on standard fares is available for coach and Acela Business Class, but is not valid on weekday Acela service, or with Saver fares, non-Acela business class, first class, or sleeping-car accommodations. Other restrictions may apply; see the Amtrak website for booking and other information.
“Amtrak is grateful to our nation’s military veterans for their commitment and sacrifices,” Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson said in a press release. “Traveling by train is an adventure, and we have sweetened the deal to offer this discount as a benefit to our veterans.”
If lobbying can get the Veteran’s fare reinstated, there is hope that Dining service can be restored and improved as well. Amtrak is not an airline and will not survive as one.
What’s wrong with the Merchant Marines? Don’t they count?
“Amtrak is grateful to our nation’s military veterans for their commitment and sacrifices,” If they were so grateful, why was the discount eliminated back in 2018?
Compare with post WW1 when vets marched on D.C. to protest the withholding of their promised service pay and benefits. The “Hoovervilles” were demolished and vets fired upon by order of then chief of staff Douglas MacArthur by US Army troops, thus violating the so-called sacred precept of soldiers not shooting their own.
Anna,
After October 1, 2020 your VA card will not be valid ID under the RealID Act(which I know applies to air travel but don’t be surprised if other modes go the same route)…however, the current military ID and Veterans ID cards are already considered valid…but there’s still 13 months for Congress to change the rules again.
Re: the Koch brothers sycophant comment – touche’ Anna!
Anna, complain to Amtrak. Either the public comment in “Contact Us” at the bottom of their home page or directly to the Inspector General (also at the bottom of the page).
Last time I tried to get a Veteran’s Discount out of Amtrak the agent wanted to see my DD-214 and my military ID. Since I have been out for some years I had neither on me, just my VA ID card which he deemed insufficient. He was quite rude about the whole thing, it was hard enough to get a regular ticket from him even paying cash. I hope their ticketing agents have improved on this issue. Yes, women can and do serve in the military.
The above comments are generic in nature and do not form the basis for an attorney/client relationship. They do not constitute legal advice. I am not your attorney. I am also not a Koch brothers sycophant.