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As the nation’s aviation system begins the arduous task of searching for normalcy and restoring service to a backlog of passengers either stranded far from origin or destination, as well as those planning or needing to travel in the past few days, Amtrak continues operating its regular weekday schedule and adding capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for alternate travel means.



The intercity passenger railroad has increased capacity nearly 30 percent by adding more than 200 seats on every unreserved train operating between Washington, New York and Boston. An additional roundtrip was added between New York and Boston Sept. 13.



Additional capacity also is being added to long-distance trains, which serve more than 500 communities in 45 states. Nearly all Amtrak long-distance trains Sept. 12 were sold out. The national passenger railroad system also is honoring airline tickets for train travel to those cities it serves.



Meanwhile, Amtrak has partnered with American Red Cross to deliver emergency relief supplies to New York City via a donated train, "Clara Barton Express."



American Red Cross President and CEO Dr. Bernadine Healy was among the first passengers on the train that left Washington’s Union Station Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. EDT loaded with Red Cross comfort and cleanup kits, dust masks and beverages.



Amtrak plans to arrange additional trains to carry relief supplies to New York as needed.