FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATK-97-154
August 14, 1997
Contact: Marc Magliari (312) 655-1338

AMTRAK MAKES CUSTOMER FRIENDLY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SUNSET LIMITED
Direct service to Orlando instituted, schedules revised between Texas and Florida

CHICAGO -- Amtrak has designated Orlando as the new Florida origin and destination for the Sunset Limited and has revised the train's schedule between Houston, Texas, and Jacksonville, Fla. The Sunset Limited operates three-days- weekly on its transcontinental trek to and from Los Angeles, via Tucson, El Paso, Houston and New Orleans.

Effective this month, the Sunset Limited will travel 2,803 miles to connect the Sunshine State with the Golden State, linking major recreation areas on both coasts and crossing the Mojave Desert. Amtrak is making these service changes to improve the train's financial performance.

The eastern terminus for the Sunset Limited had been Sanford, Fla., which remains a station stop. Amtrak had operated a motorcoach between Sanford and Orlando, which has now been replaced by direct service on the Sunset Limited. In addition to Orlando, a stop in Winter Park, Fla., has also been restored to the train's schedule.

The eastbound Sunset Limited departs Los Angeles on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays and arrives in Orlando on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays. The westbound Sunset Limited departs Orlando on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arrives in Los Angeles on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays. The eastbound Sunset Limited departs Orlando at 6:50 p.m., departs Winter Park at 7:08 p.m. and departs Sanford at 7:32 p.m. The westbound Sunset Limited departs Sanford at 1:38 p.m., departs Winter Park at 2:02 p.m. and arrives in Orlando at 2:45 p.m. The Amtrak station in Orlando is located at 1400 Sligh Blvd. and the Amtrak station in Winter Park is located at 150 W. Morse Blvd.

Also effective this month, Amtrak has revised the Sunset Limited's schedule between San Antonio, Texas, and Jacksonville, Fla., including a reduction in the train's time spent in New Orleans from three hours to one.

The Sunset Limited uses bi-level Superliner sleeping cars, dining cars, sightseer lounges and coaches, which have set the standard for comfort in long-distance train travel.

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.