November 16, 2018
Thanksgiving Holiday Week Busiest Travel Time of the Year
RENSSEALER, NY (November 20, 2018) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), who owns and operates the Rensselaer Rail Station, would like to remind passengers to allow extra time while traveling during the busy holiday season.
Parking at the Rensselaer Rail station facilities are expected to be at or near capacity with space at a premium leading up to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Parking is also at a premium Wednesday-Saturday during the entire holiday season and throughout the year.
To help enhance the passenger travel experience, CDTA and Amtrak would like to encourage travelers to adequately prepare for an easy and safe trip by using the following guidelines:
- Buy tickets early: Tickets will sell out quickly. Travelers can easily purchase tickets using Amtrak.com, or on the Amtrak mobile app.
- Avoid the Rush, Arrive Early: Customers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before departure.
- Enhanced Experience: Most trains feature free Wi-Fi, the freedom to 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 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 com, Track Your Train (on Amtrak.com), or using the Amtrak mobile app.
- Carry Photo ID: Customers are required to show travel documents and a valid photo ID.
- 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.
Additional security personnel and local law enforcement will be present at the station throughout the holiday season to help monitor the increased traffic at the station.
Last year during the Thanksgiving travel period, Amtrak had its largest passenger count to date with more than 777,000 riders on its trains across the country, and its busiest day in history with more than 160,000 customers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. Amtrak expects similar passenger counts this year.