Amtrak passes

Amtrak provides eligible active and retired SMART TD members with passes, formally named Rail Travel Privilege Cards, which can be used for free or reduced-rate travel aboard the passenger railroad. Membership in the union alone does not make the employee or retiree eligible for these travel privileges, and many restrictions apply, including the date of hire of the employee or retiree.

To get an Amtrak pass, the employee or retiree must fill out an application form (referred to as “NRPC Form 90”) supplied by his or her home railroad. When the form is completed, it should be returned to the railroad. The railroad then certifies the information supplied by the employee or retiree and forwards the application to Amtrak, which reviews the information and, if the member or retiree is eligible, issues an Amtrak Rail Travel Privilege Card.

Questions regarding eligibility for passes should be directed to the member’s or retiree’s home railroad or to the successor carrier, not to SMART TD or to Amtrak’s Travel Service Office.

The level of privileges on the card is determined by employment dates and rail affiliation.

Passes have no expiration date and are good for the duration of the employee’s rail career. Upon retiring, however, the member should apply for a retirees’ pass by completing a new Form 90.

Please note that each carrier has their own rules specific to them, and members should contact their employer or the successor carrier of their former employer for Amtrak pass eligibility requirements.

Also note that pink-colored Rail Travel Privilege Cards have no expiration date.

Amtrak’s customer-service line regarding passes is 1-800-USA-RAIL or 1-800-424-0224.