SUGGESTED LEADING ON CAMERA



CROWDS INTO RAILROAD STATION (PICK UP SCRIPT)



CHICAGO TICKETING SCENES



WASHINGTON COMPUTER TICKETING



TURBOLINEAR AT SPEED



NEW LOCOMOTIVES IN LINE



WIDE ANGLE REFURBISHING SCENE



CROWDS IN TERMINAL



SMALL-TOWN STATION



DOUBLE-DECKER TRAIN



INTERIOR DOME CAR



BEDROOM SCENE



DINING CAR



TRAIN ROUNDING CURVE; CHICAGO SKYLINE




Initials JAB/rb



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Although the energy crisis has lessened in intensity, its effects are still being felt throughout the transportation industry and probably will continue to be felt for a long time.

More Americans will probably use public transportation this Summer for their vacations than at any time since World War II, and Amtrak is gearing up for the heaviest traffic in its taxpayers' dollars, its activities are of interest to many in your viewing audience.

Enclosed is a 2-minute film clip, showing what Amtrak is doing to get ready for its biggest traffic surge ever. It includes sound narration, but a script is enclosed if you would prefer for your anchor man to narrate the news clip.

A good news peg would be Amtrak's third birthday, which is May 1.

If you have further questions, or would like to be put on Amtrak's mailing list, please write or call me at (202) 484-7224. You might want to keep the enclosed film so you will have stock footage on Amtrak.

This Summer, more Americans than at any time since World War Two will be looking at alternatives to the automobile as a way to go on vacation. Amtrak, the quasi-public organization that runs the nation's intercity rail passenger service, celebrates its third anniversary on May 1--by getting ready for its biggest travel period ever. Here's a report on what Amtrak's doing to meet the needs of the American traveler.

"Regardless of the ups and downs of the energy crisis, more and more Americans are taking a long look at alternatives to automobile travel.

Amtrak expects quite a few new customers--in addition to many old ones--this summer.

What the traveler sees might surprise him--
Improved information and ticketing techniques are "in" at reservation centres and train stations.

Amtrak knows that fast moving ticket lines won't be enough without fast-moving trains--so it's investing millions of dollars in new rolling stock like these sleek new turbolienrs capable of speeds up to 125 miles per hour.

--Here, some of Amtrak's new diesel engines are put through final tests before going into service.

Many existing cars and locomotives are being rebuilt form the wheels up and redecorated in bright new patterns.

Capitalizing on their central locations, many big city railroad stations have been spruced up and staffed up to handle the coming rush.

But Amtrak doesn't just service the big cities. It serves about 400 smaller cities and towns across the nation.

On most of the scenic western runs, people along the way see bi-level trains--with the highly popular dome cars.

Amtrak's hostesses--called Passenger Service Reps--are becoming an increasingly familiar sight, not only in first class-but in coach--which is, after all, how most people travel.

For the long-distance automobile traveler who usually has to look for a motel at night, there's a motel room on wheels--
There are still those dinners in the diner that railroad buffs remember, as well as lounge cars, snack bar cars, and other answers to the modern appetite for good food and relaxing travel...

In spite of fuel scarcity and pressures to stop environmental pollution, Amtrak knows better than to count on an overnight rebellion against the automobile. But as it celebrates its third anniversary, Amtrak sees an opportunity for railroads to win back old friends and make a few million new ones as well.