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Welcome back! How is your week going?

Amtrak & VRE Launch New Boarding Platform at Washington Union Station

Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) unveiled a brand-new boarding platform—Track 22—at the lower level of Union Station, previously used only for train storage.

What’s New:

• Track 22 has been transformed into a fully functional boarding platform, featuring a reconstructed boarding area and restored historic columns.
• A new hallway connects Gates G–L to Track 22, featuring an elevator, escalator, and stairs for complete accessibility.
• This addition enhances service reliability and flexibility for both Amtrak and VRE riders, especially during peak travel times.

Why It Matters:

• Improves boarding experience for VRE passengers and enhances Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and long-distance services.
• Adds operational capacity to one of the country's busiest rail hubs.
• Part of a broader effort led by Amtrak, which has managed daily operations at Union Station for just over a year, to improve passenger comfort, reduce congestion, and revitalize facilities.

Amtrak Re-Launches Single-Visit Metropolitan Lounge Pass for Coach Passengers

Announced on August 5, 2025, Amtrak now offers a Single Visit Pass to Coach Class riders for access to its Metropolitan Lounges, which were previously reserved mainly for First Class passengers and those with status members.

Not all lounges previously offered this service.

Where & How Much?

• Priced at $35 at most stations with lounges — including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, OR, and Washington, DC.
• At Moynihan Train Hall (New York Penn Station), the pass costs $50 because of its upgraded amenities.
• Amtrak Guest Rewards members can redeem 1,500 points online in advance for a pass.

What’s Included

• Comfortable lounge seating, free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Staff available to assist with reservations, ticketing, and local information.
• Conference rooms available at select locations (first-come, first-served; usually 2-hour limit).

Who Still Gets Free Access

Passengers in Acela First Class, those with private rooms, or Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Select Executive or Select Plus status still get free lounge access with a same-day ticket.

Why This Matters

• Coach passengers now have access to lounge comfort—perfect before busy trips.
• A more flexible, quieter space to rest, connect, or refresh before or between trains.
• Point redemptions make this upgrade available for loyalty members.

Other tidbits

• To purchase on-site, simply ask at the lounge front desk at participating stations.
• Points redemption must be completed online in advance through Amtrak Guest Rewards.
• Each pass is only valid at the lounge where it was purchased and typically covers one adult and one child under 12.

What has Kev been up to?

This week was fairly calm, and that is not always bad.

Driving to the airport went mostly well. Going down went fine, but coming back, we hit traffic and were delayed by 45 minutes or so, the big pitcher, it did not matter.

One trick I've learned, and like about picking people up at Midway, is that for about $4 or so, I can park in a structure next to the airport by the baggage pickup area, which is less stressful than trying to pick people up in the arrival area with all that mess and stress.

I sent out postcards to my wonderful Patreon members. Do you want one? If so, why not join today?

Looking at the Markers

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Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith