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MDOT media availability for Thanksgiving rail travel in Michigan

EAST LANSING, Mich. - With Thanksgiving being one of the busiest travel periods of the year for rail travel, Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the expected surge of riders on trains and at stations. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will have staff available for interviews and provide tips for holiday travel this Wednesday morning in East Lansing. News media also will have an opportunity to take photos and video of the Amtrak Blue Water Service (train #365) departing East Lansing at 8:54 a.m. for Chicago.

Last year, Amtrak carried 22,602 customers in Michigan during the Thanksgiving travel period. Similar customer counts are anticipated this year.

Who:
MDOT staff
Amtrak passengers
Media

When:
8 to 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024

Where:
Capital Area Multimodal Gateway
1240 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823

Background:
In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with Amtrak ambassadors and volunteers at select stations, including Red Cap service employees, on Amtrak MidwestSM network routes in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. Tickets sell out quickly, so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets as soon as possible. In addition, many Amtrak Midwest trains are equipped with new Venture passenger cars complete with modern interiors, large picture windows, wider aisles, Wi-Fi access and other amenities.