I've noticed, in past issues of the railroad magazines which I get, that there has been some discussion of the old Rail Travel Card (RTC). These were credit cards which could be used for most on-board train services. The cards (usually paper, but in some cases, plastic) were issued by the old, private passenger trains and could be used for booking, upgrades, and most services offered by the particular railroad. The winter issue of "Classic Trains" talks about the RTC card issued by the New Haven Railroad.
Would there be any interest in an Amtrak Rail Travel Card if one were to be offered? It could be used for ticketless check-in and boarding, making new reservations, sleeping car upgrades, and to purchase any food and drink services aboard the train. Even items from the Amtrak gift shop. The Amtrak RTC could tablulate your guest reward points and even be used for auto rentals.
In the modern, credit card era, would such an Amtrak Rail Travel Card be of value?
Richard
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Yes, I would think so..............
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Richard, discussion at another site regarding the RTC, of which I remain a holder:
Amtrak has a co-branded credit card at present; the Amtrak Guest Reward card issued now by Chase Bank NA. To what extent beyond "the faithful", it is circulated, I know not.
All I know is that for the many a "visiting firemen" around here I've meet with in Chi-town, I always bring cash for my side of the meal check, so that they may charge the entire check to their AGR card.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
That's interesting, Mr. Norman, especially about the possible interchange between UP, CB&Q, and Western Pacific.