“Great Dome” Car Returns To Adirondack service As Ridership Approaches Record Level
Download this page in PDF formatPassengers riding Amtrak’s Adirondack train north of Albany will once again have the unique opportunity to experience the spectacular view of New York State’s fall foliage season when the historic “Great Dome” rail car makes a special four-week return appearance from September 23 through October 24, 2010.
With its partners the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the National Park Service Trails & Rails program, Amtrak worked cooperatively to bring its only Dome Car back to upstate New York. The car features an upper level with windows on all sides as well as overhead to provide passengers with panoramic views of the changing colors of the trees and of Lake Champlain as the train travels from Albany and across the Canadian border into Montreal.
The return of this immensely popular feature coincides with a dramatic rise in overall ridership on the Adirondack service that operates between New York and Montreal with counts approaching their highest totals in nearly 30 years. The historic upstate New York service has carried over 92,000 passengers so far this fiscal year (October 2009 – July 2010), representing a 15 percent increase in ridership over same time for the prior year, including a 25 percent hike in July alone, when compared to the same month a year ago.
“The ‘Great Dome’ car and the overall traveling experience on our Adirondack service continue to be a favorite among passengers as the recent ridership trends would indicate,” said Kevin Chittenden, Amtrak’s District Superintendent. “This unique equipment provides our passengers with a spectacular view of the changing of the seasons that should not be missed.”
“We look forward to another fall foliage season during which Amtrak’s Great Dome car will once again highlight the beauty of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain for train passengers traveling between New York City and Montreal,” State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said. “The Adirondack service provides an important link between the two international cities, and hosting the ‘Great Dome’ car during the autumn months is part of a tradition that attracts riders and promotes the magnitude and majesty of New York State.”
The refurbished vintage car dates back to 1955 and has a dome section that runs the full length of the car, a rare feature, even when dome cars were more numerous on the nation’s railroads.
The car will operate northbound from Albany to Montreal on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. It returns south from Montreal on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. No dome car trips are made on Wednesdays. All passengers traveling on the Albany-Montreal segment of the route are welcome to enter the dome car to enjoy the view. Seats in the dome car are not reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Passengers can also take advantage of the I Love NY 20% discount off the regular (full) adult rail fare. The offer is valid for sale through May 28, 2011. Advance reservations are required. In addition, up to 2 children ages 2-15 may accompany each adult at half the discounted rail fare. Please refer to discount code V557 when making reservations online at Amtrak.com
