Amtrak, PennDOT offer initiative to expand intercity rail travel

Amtrak and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have launched a new initiative, "PA Trips By Train," to increase interest and ridership on intercity rail in the state.

The initiative, which features a new website that provides discounts on travel, offers excursion packages to popular events and destinations in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, New York City and points between, PennDOT officials said in a press release.

PA Trips By Train is viewed as a way in which PennDOT is supporting passenger-rail improvements and communities served by rail, they said.

"The Keystone and Pennsylvanian services offer family friendly, convenient transportation options to our residents," PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards said. "These excursions are a great way to experience the culture and events our state has to offer while trying a different way to get there."