Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

Chalk up a win for the Amtrak marketing team, which has drummed up a tonofmedia coverage with its new residency program for writers.

The above video, produced by Amtrak, goes into the thinking behind this effort. Randy Simes at Urban Cincy expounds on the strategy today:

On the heels of kicking off their new Writers Residency program, where writers can ride intercity passenger rail for free, Amtrak welcomed 30 prominent new media “influencers” on a long-distance train ride from Los Angeles to SXSW in Austin. The new initiatives are part of a larger effort by Amtrak to connect with a demographic they believe is already open-minded and passionate about intercity train travel.

[Amtrak’s Government Affairs Specialist for the Midwest Region] says that the 30 participants had somewhere around 2.5 million followers on social media, and that the group logged their journey by using the #AmtrakLive hashtag.

The major takeaway for many of the participants, however, was the relaxing nature of the ride, and scenic beauty of the trip.

“I think train travel is a bit of a lost art. It was a very amazing thing to do years ago, and it’s still a very amazing thing to do now,” said Matthew Knell, VP of Social and Community Outreach at About.com. “What Amtrak is trying to do with the new generation; with high-speed rail and new technologies and solutions is great.”

Amtrak is currently in the process of upgrading intercity passenger rail service in the Midwest between St. Louis and Chicago and Detroit and Chicago. Segments of those routes are now operating at 110 miles per hour, with additional upgrades underway to bring the entire length of those routes up to higher speeds.

In May 2013, Amtrak officials signed an agreement with the State of Indiana to maintain Hoosier State service, and revisited the idea of improving service between Cincinnati and Chicago.

If only this type of media strategy worked with Congress. Maybe the idea is that in the long term, it will.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Counting Pantographs runs the numbers on Jeff Speck's claim that moving to a walkable place saves more energy in one week than changing to energy efficient lightbulbs does in a year. Cap'n Transit explains the relative benefits and drawbacks of streetcars and light rail. And Reno Rambler remarks on a nascent urban real estate trend: catering to people who bike.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

When Journalists Give Even Intentional Traffic Violence a Pass

The driver who killed Paris cycling advocate Paul Varry has been charged with murder — but America's top-selling newspaper seemingly implied that he's a victim of the "war on cars."

December 2, 2024

The 2024 Streetsblog Gift Guide For Sustainable Transportation Advocates Who Love to Read

The previous 11-plus months have been epic for urbanism-related books. Why not buy a few for the advocates on your holiday list?

December 2, 2024

Monday’s Headlines Are Stuffed Full of Stories

Enjoy this mega-post while you digest the rest of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

December 2, 2024

What the Potential Pedestrianization of Europe’s Busiest Shopping Street Can Teach U.S. Cities

Oxford Street is poised for a pedestrian-friendly makeover. What can the U.S. learn from their journey to get there?

December 2, 2024

Pennsylvania Shifted Cash From Highways to Transit – But Other States Could Go Even Further

"If your governor says they don't have money for transit, they are lying," said one advocate.

November 27, 2024
See all posts