"I could not be more proud or excited about this new railroad complex and all that it offers to Amtrak, our guests, our employees and the community," said Linwood Holton, former Virginia Governor and a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors.

Construction of the 31,000-square foot complex began in July 1998, and was completed last month. The project included the construction of a new passenger station, support facilities and track improvements and was built using the talents of Amtrak employees and outside contractors.

"I want to thank the Amtrak employees who helped to build this wonderful facility. Amtrak Maintenance of Way employees performed the track work here and our Bridge and Building workers did the platform work," said Edward V. Walker, President of the Amtrak Intercity business unit. "I have always said that Amtrak employees are among the most talented railroad workers in America and once again you have proven me right."

Funding for the project was provided by Amtrak, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT). Walker said the Lorton facility is a testament to both organizations, as well as the CSX railroad, which worked closely with Amtrak to keep the Auto Train operating throughout the construction project.

The new Amtrak Auto Train facility improves the delivery of guest services by providing:

-- A 14,000-square foot passenger station building with approximately 450

seats, large restrooms and enlarged and upgraded retail and food

service.

-- Six, six-car length ramp tracks with loading ramps at each track to

expedite loading and off-loading operations.

-- A new 1,500-foot platform, long enough to accept the entire train

without having to split the train as was previously done. This

shortens the time to deliver vehicles by about 20 minutes.

-- A new, longer and wider entrance road that helps passengers and their

vehicles enter the facility.

-- More on-site parking.

For many guests, the Amtrak Auto Train is the gateway to Orlando and Florida attractions, such as Universal Orlando(R), offering vacation travelers a fun and relaxing way to make their journey as exciting as their destination. In fact, some of Universal's most distinguished celebrities, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye and Olive Oil, showed up at the grand opening ceremony to make sure everyone understood that the Auto Train is the preferred way to travel to the fun and sun of Florida. At the same time, Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Groucho Marx and Laurel and Hardy arrived at the premier in vintage cars, driving home the point that you can take it with you (autos, vans and motorcycles) on the Auto Train.

The Auto Train is the longest passenger train in the world. Amtrak took over operation of the Auto Train in October 1983, with three-times-a-week service between Lorton and Sanford. Amtrak began offering daily service on the Auto Train in 1984. Trains depart from both stations in each direction at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at their destination at 8:30 a.m. Guests traveling with automobiles must arrive at the station no later than 3:00 p.m. Guests traveling with vans or any other oversized vehicle must arrive at the station no later than 2:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

During the 855-mile journey, guests are provided with a sit-down dinner, a full-feature movie and a continental breakfast. Private sleeping accommodations are also available. In 1997, lounge cars, designed specifically for the Auto Train and built by Amtrak mechanical forces in Sanford, were placed on the trains. The new lounge cars feature a combination of booth and lounge seating, video screens, an upper-level attendant's area, a Railfone, and an enclosed, well-ventilated smoking area.

Amtrak operates a 22,000-mile intercity passenger rail system, serving more than 500 communities in 45 states. Under Amtrak's new leadership, the corporation is turning the corner to become a successful business enterprise. As a part of its turnaround, Amtrak is focusing on growing public and private business partnerships, improving and guaranteeing consistency and quality of service, introducing high-speed rail in the Northeast and developing other high-speed rail corridors nationwide.

For more information about the Auto Train or any other Amtrak passenger service, including schedules, fares, and reservations, visit Amtrak's web site at www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. SOURCE Amtrak

Publication date: 2000-07-18