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Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) is banking on projects completed in 2004 — and ones planned in 2005 — to improved passenger and tourist services.

Last summer, the railroad renovated the Denali National Park & Preserve Depot, which features improved passenger loading and unloading areas.

In 2004, ARRC also opened intermodal transportation hub Palmer Depot to improve passenger-rail service between Anchorage and Palmer, and expanded Spencer Glacier Tour and added an 11-day Arctic Circle-to-Glacier Bay tour to boost tourist-train business.

This year, ARRC plans to take delivery of first-class cars featuring custom-designed interiors, oversized windows, an outdoor viewing platform and glass roof.

In early summer, the railroad also expects to open Fairbanks Depot, which is designed to enable trains to load and unload passengers without blocking local streets. The terminal will feature modern baggage handling equipment and improved passenger staging areas.