Amtrak Expands Offer

Amtrak has expanded the time period in which its $7 round-trip fare is available to every day of the week instead of just Mondays through Thursdays. Holidays, however, may still be blacked out.

This $7 offer is generally good only when the one-way fare is $60 or more, but certain lower-priced routes such as Los Angeles-San Diego are exceptions. For example, the regular one-way fare between Los Angeles and San Diego continues to be $19 and you can get your return fare for $7, making the round-trip price $26. Children from 2 to 11 pay $13 or half-fare.

Amtrak has also reduced its round-trip “All Aboard America” fares for either the Western or Central regions from $159 to $129 until Dec. 16. The price for the Eastern region is $150. No stopovers are permitted, and you can’t get sleeping cars with this rate. Children 2 to 11 pay half-fare.

If you want stopovers and sleeping cars, Amtrak has other round-trip regional fares. Effective to June 30, 1987, you can travel through any one of three regions (West, Central States, East Coast) for $150 round trip, $200 within two adjoining regions and $250 for all three regions. You’re allowed three stopovers. Sleeping car accommodations are available at extra charges.

The Western region basically covers the 11 Western states, extending from the Pacific Coast to an imaginary line running through Wolf Point, Mont.; Denver; Albuquerque/Lamy and El Paso. The Central area extends from the latter points to a line going from Milwaukee/Chicago and Indianapolis down to New Orleans.

There are no advance purchase restrictions on these excursion rates, but they are capacity controlled and all rail travel has to be completed within 45 days.

If you’re traveling as a family, check the excursion rates against Amtrak’s family plan. The latter doesn’t allow you to use any other discounts with it. The head of the family pays full fare, the spouse and children 12 to 21 pay half-fare, and children 2 to 11 pay a quarter of the fare. Under 2, children ride free.

Contact travel agents or Amtrak at (800) USA-RAIL.

-- -- --

Greyhound, meanwhile, has extended its discount program another month.

Until Oct. 30 you can get a 50% discount off its $119 maximum one-way fare, and one companion can travel to the same destination for $2 when you buy a regular-fare ticket of $25 or more. You have to buy your ticket 30 days in advance. Travel must start Monday through Thursday and be completed by Dec. 7, which means that the discounts are available over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Contact your nearest Greyhound terminal.