metsfan Posted January 15, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 15, 2009 This message contains important information regarding your Amtrak reservation for Washington, D.C., on January 20. Please read carefully. You will be traveling through our nation's capital on a historic day as the country inaugurates its 44th president. Due to extraordinary security measures and large crowds associated with inaugural events, please read the important travel tips and information below. January 20 Inauguration Day Travel and Security Because of the large crowds expected, use of the station should be limited to Amtrak, MARC and VRE passengers. Due to extraordinary security measures associated with inaugural events, as of early afternoon the food court and most retail shops in Union Station will be closed. Please be mindful of the following: * Arrive at the station no earlier than one hour prior to your train's departure time. * Due to expected crowding and limited access to ticketing facilities at Union Station in the afternoon, pick up your roundtrip tickets (your inbound and return tickets) before you board your train for Washington. Don't chance missing your train home by getting caught in the crowds trying to get your return ticket. * Access to the station in the afternoon will be limited to select points of entry and much of the station will be closed to the general public. Follow special signage to reach boarding gates for Amtrak, MARC and VRE trains. * Special traffic patterns in Washington, D.C., and specifically in and around Washington Union Station will be in effect. * Your safety and security are paramount. Please be patient and follow the instructions of station personnel and law enforcement while boarding and detraining, and exiting and entering Union Station. * Due to the high volume of traffic expected, passengers on some trains may be asked to remain on board for a brief period prior to detraining to ensure the safe and orderly movement of passengers through Union Station. * Restroom facilities in the station are limited and will be extremely crowded, so consider using the restroom before detraining and before returning to the station for your return trip. Portable restrooms will be available outside the station. * The station's food court and most retail shops will be closed early afternoon; however, food service will be available aboard inbound and outbound Amtrak trains. * Amtrak cannot provide alternate transportation or accommodations in the event of a service disruption. * Pack lightly, as no lockers or storage facilities will be available in the station. A list of prohibited items from the inaugural event sites and locations is available on the District of Columbia inaugural Web site. Heightened front-line and behind-the-scenes security measures will be taken in stations and aboard trains, and may include: * Amtrak Police officers and Mobile Security Teams * Federal, state and local law enforcement and anti-terrorism forces * K-9 units (please do not approach or pet police dogs) * Identification checks * Passenger, and carry-on and checked baggage screening Passengers with disabilities and/or special needs should specifically request assistance when making reservations. In addition, please notify your conductor of any special needs. Volunteers wearing high-visibility vests will also be on hand at Washington Union Station to assist you. Please visit http://Amtrak.com for additional information as January 20 approaches, particularly since some elements are subject to change. SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING! Be sure to safeguard and maintain control of your personal belongings. If you see any unattended baggage or suspicious activity on a train or in a station, please alert Amtrak Police at 1-800-331-0008 or call 911. ----------- If you are wondering, yes i'm going, and yes i will ask to take photos of trains, especially out of the ordinary consists & stuff. - A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattTrain Posted January 15, 2009 Share #2 Posted January 15, 2009 Wow, all these steps taken due to that inauguration, what an event that's going to be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTR Admiralty Posted January 16, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 16, 2009 Thanks for sharing the information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul P Posted January 17, 2009 Share #4 Posted January 17, 2009 Wilmington station was packed today, and even security there was tough! I'm gonna visit Wilmington on Monday again, wait for some pics! B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred G Posted January 18, 2009 Share #5 Posted January 18, 2009 This is one of those "failure is not an option" events so it's strict security. Hope you have a great time and take lots of pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metsfan Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted January 18, 2009 This is one of those "failure is not an option" events so it's strict security. Hope you have a great time and take lots of pics. Indeed. Thanks (F)red, i will! - A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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