Amtrak 1970s

After Amtrak was created by an act of Congress in 1970, it got to work creating a unified passenger rail system spanning the entire country — something that had never existed in the United States.

Under the “We’re Making the Trains Worth Traveling Again” advertising campaign, Amtrak touted improvements it was making to the rail system. Print ads in newspapers and radio spots addressed the negative perceptions some people had of trains, and they invited Americans to check out the progress Amtrak was making to enhance the customer experience. The company highlighted passenger car overhauls, including interior refurbishments for greater comfort and style; faster and simpler reservation and ticketing procedures; schedule adjustments for better departure times and connections; and increased frequencies on some routes.

Amtrak

To cook up a future for the American passenger train, blackmail 20 railroads into the frying pan, congeal with Woodrow Wilson-era work-rules and Truman-second-term-era diesels and coaches, season with red jackets and a pointless arrow, bring to a boil over Congressional oratory, dilute with one cupful of ICC, add a pinch of NARP, spice with Turbo, employ nonrail cooks, and pour into airline plastic. Serves 43 states and D.C.

David P. Morgan / TRAINS magazine / Nov 1971