Amtrak adds capacity on 'Auto Train'

As of yesterday, Amtrak added more seats on its Auto Train in response to demand for additional capacity.

Up to 60 additional coach seats will be available for travel on various dates on Train 53 to Florida and Train 52 from Florida through March 31, said Amtrak officials in a press release.

The service allows riders to travel with their cars, vans, SUVs or other personal vehicles. It is the only such rail service in the United States and eliminates about 900 miles of driving for people traveling between the Northeast and all points in Florida, Amtrak officials said.

"The Auto Train is the easiest and most enjoyable way to travel between the Northeast and Florida while your car takes a breather," said Amtrak Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Matt Hardison.

Recently, Amtrak added "priority vehicle offloading," which passengers can purchase so that their vehicle is one of the first offloaded from the train. Vehicle counts can total 200 to 300 per train.