News Release
Date: May 31, 2001

Sky is the limit on glass-top rail car

Raleigh -- Train enthusiasts will appreciate the uniqueness. Passengers will appreciate the view. The glass-top observation car -- known as 'the dome' - will return to weekend service on the Piedmont starting Friday.
"Riding in the dome car is a unique travel experience," said Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett. "It gives you a nearly 360-degree view as you travel through North Carolina."

Tippett said the spectacular view is the greatest amenity of the Piedmont Weekend Club Service. Additional amenities include a complimentary beverage, newspaper and magazines.

Weekend Club Service on the dome car will be available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 1. For an $8 surcharge (in addition to the regular ticket price), passengers can reserve their seats on the special, glass-top rail car. Capacity is limited to 50 people, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required.

Originally built in 1952 for the Milwaukee Railroad, the dome car was purchased by the N.C. Department of Transportation and refurbished -- with the electrical and mechanical systems modernized. Although identical cars are no longer built, a comparable, new full-length dome car would cost $2.75 million. The department paid $670,000 to purchase and renovate the car.

"There is no other car like this in regular service anywhere in the continental U.S." said Tippett. "We've been able to preserve a beautiful and unique rail car and provide a premier rail passenger service at a bargain price."

The Piedmont, which provides daily round-trip service from Raleigh to Charlotte, is sponsored by the state and operated by Amtrak. For more information about the service, call 1-800 BY TRAIN or visit the NCDOT Rail website at www.bytrain.org. For tickets and reservations, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA RAIL (872-7245).