FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATK-97-115
July 26, 1997
Contact: Marc Magliari (312) 655-1338

AMTRAK TO CONTINUE OPERATION OF THE TEXAS EAGLE

CHICAGO -- Amtrak will continue the operation of the Texas Eagle for an indefinite period beyond the Sept. 30, 1997, date specified in a loan agreement between Amtrak and the State of Texas. The loan agreement provided $5.6 million to continue operating the Texas Eagle three-days-weekly between Chicago and San Antonio beyond its previously scheduled discontinuance on May 10, 1997.

Amtrak is able to continue operating the train because its express business is growing and prospects for its future growth warrant the continued operation of the train. The loan agreement with the State of Texas provided Amtrak the opportunity to develop a broader customer base for the Texas Eagle, including more passengers and express customers, than could have been developed without the continuation of rail service.

"We would like to thank Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison for her strong support of Amtrak," said Thomas M. Downs, Amtrak President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Her efforts to enact legislation that would allow Amtrak to improve business practices and enable Amtrak to have a dedicated source of capital funding similar to other transportation modes will guarantee a strong and efficient national rail passenger system."

Amtrak would also like to thank state and local officials for their continued support of Texas Eagle service.

Amtrak is now accepting reservations for travel on the Texas Eagle through Oct. 25, 1997. Amtrak will accept reservations for travel on or after Oct. 25 once its national fall timetable has been finalized.

Customers should visit a staffed Amtrak station, call 1-800-USA- RAIL or see an authorized Amtrak travel agent, for details on this or any other Amtrak service. Schedule and service information is also available at the Amtrak site on the World Wide Web at www.amtrak.com.