Amtrak recently launched its new culturally-focused Web site – MyBlackJourney.com – during Black History Month. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, connecting users to information about various destinations, rich with African-American heritage. The new site includes information about Amtrak destinations, family reunions, weekend escapes and Amtrak’s Travel Scholars program. Users may also link directly to information on current Amtrak promotions and discounts, as well as Amtrak’s community involvement efforts.

“By creating MyBlackJourney.com, Amtrak is reaching out to past, present and future customers who are looking for a convenient and relaxing transportation alternative to connect with each other and to visit cultural destinations throughout our vast route system,” said Darlene Abubakar, Amtrak’s director of national advertising. MyBlackJourney.com includes information about cultural attractions, such as museums, historical landmarks and heritage festivals and events in Atlanta, Birmingham, Philadelphia, Memphis, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., New York City and Chicago – all cities served by one or more Amtrak trains daily. Users may also download Amtrak’s Family Reunion Planning Guide and learn more about Amtrak’s Travel Scholars program, made possible through a partnership with the United Negro College Fund.

Future site enhancements include an interactive community which will allow contributors to upload Amtrak-related photos and videos and share stories about their experiences on board.  The launch of MyBlackJourney.com, which was developed by Amtrak’s multicultural agency of record, IMAGES USA, was just a part of Amtrak’s celebration of Black History Month. Other events included a photographic exhibit in Fort Worth, TX, an oratorical competition for kids in Jacksonville, FL, and live cultural performances in New York City. For more information log onto MyBlackJourney.com or Amtrak.com.

About Amtrak
As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day — at speeds up to 150 mph — to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the operator of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call (800) USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.