Amtrak to allow pets on two East Coast routes

Passengers on two of Amtrak's East Coast routes soon will be able to bring small dogs and pets on board.

Following the success of a similar pilot program in Illinois, Amtrak will allow passengers to bring pets on Northeast Regional trains traveling between Boston, Lynchburg, Newport News and Norfolk, Va. Amtrak also will allow riders to travel with pets on trains running between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, on the Downeaster route.

Riders will be charged $25 to bring one dog or cat in a carrier on trips up to seven hours in length, Amtrak officials said in a blog post. Pets in carriers must weigh 20 pounds or less and be placed underneath the pet owner's seat.

The latest pilot program will run Oct. 12 through Feb. 15 and will be reviewed for possible improvements.

If the program is successful, Amtrak will consider expanding it to other routes in 2016.