United Rail acquires Key Holidays, Key Tours

United Rail Inc., a short line consolidator, announced today it has acquired the assets of California-based Key Holidays and Key Tours International.

Key Holidays is known in the U.S. travel industry and is designated as a ticketing and regional tour operator for Amtrak tours in the western United States, United Rail officials said in a press release.

"They have been in business for 36 years and have established a strong recognized brand in the travel business," said United Rail Chief Executive Officer Michael Barron. "The Key brand will remain as our primary tour operator going forward and selling our products under the Key brand."

United Rail will relocate Key Holidays to a new central facility for all its passenger train and excursion bookings, including The Reno Xpress, Las Vegas Xpress, X Wine Railroad, Polar Bear and additional planned acquisitions, Barron said.

Key charter trains are a combination of Amtrak cars and private rail cars with optional hotel package.

Financial and other details of the transaction were not disclosed.

In February, United Rail announced it had acquired the New England Southern Railroad in Concord, New Hampshire.