Busy day expected on Amtrak

Amtrak anticipated its busiest travel day of the year Wednesday with 127,000 people -- 50,000 more than on a typical Wednesday -- expected to travel by Amtrak trains nationwide, a spokesman said.

Trains were running without delay at Union Station on Wednesday morning, and no delays were reported along the Northeast Corridor line, said Amtrak spokesman Steve Kulm.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed," Kulm said.

Passengers must have a ticket before boarding the train, he said. Many trains are already sold out, but seats do remain, particularly on Friday and Saturday trains, he said.

Passengers are allowed two carry-on bags in addition to a purse, laptop or briefcase and should expect to see additional police and random baggage checks, Kulm said. The increased security is typical for a major holiday and is not in response to any specific threat, he said.

Train status is available at www.Amtrak.com and via 800-872-7245.

With ridership up overall this year, Kulm said, Amtrak expects to exceed the 686,000 people who travelled by train last year between the Mondays before and after Thanksgiving.