FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2010 ATK-10-155 Contact: Media Relations 202 906.3860
AMTRAK TO ALLOW UNLOADED FIREARMS IN CHECKED BAGGAGE STARTING DECEMBER 15
WASHINGTON – Effective December 15, 2010, Amtrak will begin to accept unloaded firearms in checked baggage at stations and on trains operating within the United States that offer checked baggage service. This change in the Amtrak checked baggage policy is required by Section 159 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-117) enacted by Congress in December 2009.
Not all Amtrak served stations or trains offer checked baggage service. It is important that passengers seeking to travel with their firearms contact Amtrak prior to their trip to confirm which stations and trains offer checked baggage service.
Passengers are required by law to notify Amtrak and declare that they will be checking firearms and/or ammunition no later than 24 hours before train departure. Reservations for firearms or ammunition can be made only by calling the Amtrak reservations number as online reservations are not accepted. All firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, starter pistols) must be unloaded and in an approved, locked hard-sided container. The passenger must have sole possession of the key or the combination for the lock to the container. Locked, hard-sided containers containing smaller unloaded firearms such as handguns and starter pistols must be securely stored within a suitcase or other item of checked baggage.
Rifles and shotguns will be stored in secure cabinets or areas of train stations and baggage cars. All passengers must complete a firearms declaration form prior to beginning travel on the day of departure. Passengers failing to meet requirements for checking firearms will be denied transportation.
To meet this new legal requirement, Amtrak made changes to its reservation system, installed secure storage at checked baggage train stations and modified 142 baggage cars to improve and secure firearm transport. It also is installing more visible signage in stations and on board trains to indicate restricted passenger areas. A training program has been implemented to ensure Amtrak employees understand this new checked firearm service and policies and procedures have been developed to help employees work safely. Amtrak spent about $2 million to implement this service program.
More detailed information about this policy is attached and can be found at Amtrak.com.
About Amtrak As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2010), the railroad carried over 28.7 million passengers, making it the best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/amtrak and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Amtrak.Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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The phrase "to meet this new legal requirement" suggests that Amtrak didn't have a choice. The cited law is up there in the first paragraph.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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I was somewhat taken aback by the phrase "Amtrak to allow...". It does appear to suggest that it is an Amtrak initiative. From my reading of the facts over the last 12 months, this was something which Congress forced on Amtrak. Or am I wrong?
Posts: 168 | From: uk. northumberland | Registered: Jun 2007
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The crimianals and potential criminals that would be dangerous with guns do not care what the law says, and those that do care are not a danger to the rest of the population whether their guns are in checked baggage or in a carryon in the rack.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Mr. Kisor--Yep, I scanned that part too quickly. No real choice, evidently.
All--And since there is not security screening it is entirely possible that firearms loaded or not will continue to be carried on Amtrak without being checked.
Frank in cool and cloudy SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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