Amtrak cuts some fares by 25 percent for summer

WASHINGTON - Amtrak is cutting fares by 25 percent on some Eastern trains this summer as the national passenger railroad looks to boost demand during the recession.

The discount runs from June 2 through Sept. 3. It applies to those taking regional trains on the Northeast Corridor which runs from Washington to Boston. The discount also is available from Washington to Newport News, Va.

In addition, Amtrak is extending a February price cut on its higher-speed Acela service, which runs from Washington to Boston.

Passengers must make reservations two weeks in advance to get the lower fares.

Amtrak carried a record 28.7 million passengers last fiscal year, but ridership is down this year as businesses cut back on travel and because of lower gas prices.