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Weekly UpdatesNew York (AirGuide - Destination, Rail, Road News) Aug 16, 2009
Southeastern Railway
The high speed train service launched in June linking London to Kent is to be extended beyond the high speed line. Ramsgate and Dover in Kent will be linked to London St Pancras by additional commuter services during morning and evening peak times. Train operator Southeastern said commuter journeys to Ramsgate and Dover would be shortened by an average of 49 and 47 minutes respectively. www.southeasternrailway.co.uk Aug 13, 2009
Eurostar
Eurostar has announced it is to charge GBP 3 per credit card transaction for all bookings made by phone or internet. A spokesperson for Eurostar confirmed that the charge would apply to corporate customers. But Eurostar said the charge was per booking and not per passenger. The train operator said the fee was still significantly lower than those of its airline competitors such as British Airways which charges GBP 4.50 per person. All bookings made by debit card are free which Eurostar said reflected lower costs levied by banks for this type of payment. The GBP 3 charge will offset most of the costs levied by the credit card companies, Eurostar said. Eurostar also announced it had scrapped call centre booking fees. www.eurostar.com Aug 13, 2009
Amtrak
The Amtrak Guest Rewards program is expecting to enroll its 2 millionth member on Aug. 20, and to celebrate this milestone all eligible members who travel on that day can earn a share of 2 million points towards free travel and other rewards. All Amtrak Guest Rewards members who travel on any Amtrak train on Aug. 20 are eligible to earn a share of the 2 million points. Travel on every Amtrak route is eligible. To participate in the promotion, members must register at www.AmtrakGuestRewards.com and enter the registration code 81009 or call 800-307-5000, select option 2 and enter registration code 81009. Once registered for the promotion, a member simply needs to travel on any Amtrak train on Aug. 20. Amtrak will divide the 2 million points among all eligible members who travel on that day. Amtrak Guest Rewards members must include their membership number when making reservations in order to be eligible. Reservations may be made online at www.Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Aug 12, 2009
Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains is extending the availability of its cheaper Virgin Trains-only fares to include journeys between Stockport and Macclesfield/Stoke-on-Trent/Crewe and between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent as part of a package to offer cheaper rail travel on key shorter-distance journeys. From Aug. 17, customers will be able to buy a peak time fully flexible Anytime Day Return ticket from Stockport to Macclesfield for GBP6 (USD 10), the price was previously GBP8 (USD 13) and from Macclesfield to Stoke-on-Trent for just GBP6.40 (USD 10.55), a saving of GBP2.10 (USD 3.46). The new lower-priced tickets, valid for travel on Virgin Trains services only, will offer a substantial saving over the current tickets which can be used on all operators' services on the route. Other Virgin Trains-only fares include an Off-Peak Day Return from Stockport to Stoke-on-Trent down from GBP10.50 (USD 17.31) to GBP7.90 (USD 13). There are similar savings on First Class fares with a First Class Anytime Day ticket from Stockport to Macclesfield reduced from GBP13.70 (USD 22.58) to GBP10.30 (USD 17). Aug 12, 2009
London Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express
The UK's Airport Express Alliance is to be disbanded when its current contract expires on September 21. Paul Brindley, commercial director Airport Express, said: "Both Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express are very strong brands and want to refocus priorities on their core business so they can continue to deliver excellent customer service. "We would like to reassure all clients and customers that the transition will be as smooth as possible." Reports today claim Gatwick Express' operator Southern is withdrawing support for the sales and marketing alliance between it and Heathrow Express. Staff at the alliance have been told that the withdrawal by Southern will result in job losses, one report said. A spokesperson for Airport Express could not confirm whether redundancies would result from the split or not. Airport Express said details of its future were still being discussed at this stage and a formal announcement would be made shortly. Southern is understood to have decided to look after its own sales and marketing for Gatwick Express after being told it must run the franchise for a further five years. Aug 10, 2009
Eurostar
Eurostar, the provider of high-speed, carbon-neutral rail journeys between the U.K. and the continent, welcomed on board newlyweds Suzanne Goodall (28) and Tom Croft (28) from Greenwich, together with their full wedding party. They tied the knot at the Chelsea and Kensington registry office before moving to St. Pancras International to enjoy a glass of champagne with their guests at the Champagne Bar, the longest in Europe. They then boarded the Eurostar to Brussels for further celebrations. The party travelled in style: the bride was wearing her full wedding dress accompanied by her bridesmaids in full-length dresses, together with the groom and his groomsmen wearing their morning suits. Travelling in Leisure Select, they enjoyed more champagne on board the train and received a meal served at seat. For more information, visit www.eurostar.com. Aug 10, 2009
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