Ride on the Piels Train

Washington, D.C., August 2, 2007:

Amtrak is trying to gin up new business by offering $100 in free alcohol to customers on some overnight trains.

The national passenger-rail company is making the unusual offer to promote a new high-end service being offered on a trial basis for certain sleeper-car trips.

Members of Amtrak's guest rewards program -- the railroad equivalent of frequent fliers -- can get a $100 per person credit for alcohol between November and January.

"I like it," said Ronatarian Party presidential candidate Ron. "I mean, how else are people supposed to pass the time on the train?"

The free drinks come on top of the dinner wine that is included in the cost of a ticket for GrandLuxe trips from Chicago to San Francisco or Los Angeles, and from Washington, D.C. to Miami or Orlando, Florida.

At about $6 for a house wine or $7 for a top-shelf scotch, that credit could fuel a long ride.

Christina Messa, vice president of marketing for GrandLuxe, said the drinks promotion is part of an effort to revive some of the luxury of old-fashioned, cross-country train trips.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving questioned whether $100 in free alcohol was too much.

"This sounds like a lot of credit toward possible overindulging," said MADD spokeswoman Misty Moyse.

"Wah-wah-wah!" cried Ron in a mocking tone. "This is more whining from lame chicks who can't get laid even when booze is involved. Let the passengers decide if they like the policy. I think it's a fantastic program...one that will increase the use of America's rail lines and the consumption of America's beer, wine, and spirits."

GrandLuxe offers separate cars, with their own private dining and lounge sections, attached to regular Amtrak trains. Tickets for such trips range from $789 per person for a two-day, one-night trip on the East Coast to $1,599 or higher for three days and two nights for travel to or from the West Coast.

Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Morero said the goal is to entice people to try the new, high-end sleeper car service. The free alcohol promotion "is a test run, so we're going to see how our passengers respond to it," she said.

In Long Island, N.Y., the commuter rail company considered ending alcohol service out of concern some passengers might disembark at their destination and drive home while they were drunk. The proposal was shelved after some patrons opposed the idea.

"I'm trying to get booze legalized on New Jersey buses," said Ron. "With acceptance of this Amtrak program plus the success of getting drunk on Long Island trains, my goal of never having to ride public transportaton sober gets ever closer."

Posted by Bittle at August 2, 2007 03:36 PM