TRANSPORTATION

Amtrak Boosting Commissions to Travel Agents: Amtrak is hoping to snag some business from the airlines by taking advantage of the squabble between air carriers and travel agents. The national railroad passenger system was expected to announce today an increase in the commissions it pays to travel agents during the spring travel season. Major airlines recently aroused the ire of travel agents by capping commissions at $25 on one-way fares and $50 for round trips, instead of the standard 10% of the ticket price. Full details of the Amtrak plan were not immediately available, but sources said the railroad will raise its commissions to between 12% and 15% for the coming months, with no cap.