Amtrak Train Safety
Though rail travel is one of the safest forms of transportation, security surrounding Amtrak trains has increased since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Follow the rules and use common sense for your safety and that of fellow passengers.
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Accidents
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Use care on railway platforms. Amtrak accidents cause 0.03 passenger deaths per 100 million passenger miles, compared to 0.02 on domestic airlines, 0.05 on intercity buses and 0.8 in automobiles. Your odds of dying in a train accident are 1 in 115,489; 1 in 261 in a car accident.
Security Personnel
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Amtrak Police force consists of 343 sworn officers, with most in the Northeast. K-9 units are used for security, and checked baggage is screened.
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Security Procedures
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Randomly selected passengers and their baggage and personal items may be screened or inspected. Random security checks may be made on board.
Identification
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Passengers 18 and up, or 15 and up if unaccompanied, must have valid photo identification. Random ID and ticket checks may be conducted on board in accordance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.
Photography
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Still and video photography be banned in heightened levels of security as declared by Homeland Security. Photography is prohibited in restricted areas, such as maintenance facilities and crew areas.
Personal Safety
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Keep personal items, such as handbags, backpacks and laptops close by in stations and on board. Watch your step when train is moving and wear shoes at all times; rubber soles are safest. Report any suspicious behavior.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Union Station image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com train platform image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
