Amtrak starts frequent rider program

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Amtrak said on Wednesday it will begin rewarding frequent travelers with free train tickets, flights, hotel stays and other gifts as the U.S. rail service pushes to boost ridership before a 2003 deadline to wean itself from government subsidies.

Train travelers will earn points for every trip under the new program, Guest Rewards, launched on Wednesday in tandem with the beginning of ticket sales for its high-speed Acela Express train.

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Amtrak said the program will allow members to earn free rail travel or flights on United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Midwest Express.

Hilton Hotels, Starwood Resorts & Hotels Worldwide, Marriott International and Hertz are among other participants in the program.

Members also have the option of redeeming their points for gift certificates with retailers and restaurants including Barnes & Noble booksellers, Bloomingdale's and Macy's, Eddie Bauer and Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants.

Members will earn two points for each dollar spent on Amtrak travel.

Not participating so far are US Airways and Delta Air Lines, the two airlines that provide frequent shuttle service between Washington, New York and Boston.

Amtrak believes its luxurious and fast Acela Express will attract passengers away from the airlines on the northeast corridor.

Amtrak faces a possible restructuring if it fails to reach operational self-sufficiency by 2003, according to the terms of 1997 U.S. legislation.

In July, the railroad said it would give free tickets to dissatisfied customers, after its own research had shown 15 percent of its riders never return.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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