Amtrak Launches YouTube Channel
Safety, security, and employee videos will be featured. Amtrak already had Facebook and Twitter pages.
Amtrak announced its own YouTube channel on Feb. 15, saying it gives passengers a new way to get information. The channel will feature videos with information on topics such as safety and security, the Trails & Rails program, and Amtrak's vision for high-speed rail. Amtrak employee videos will be featured about trips, customer experiences, and travel tips.
"The YouTube channel provides us another way to visually communicate and engage with our customers and reach new audiences," said Darlene Abubakar, director of national advertising at Amtrak.
Amtrak already had a Facebook page (launched in 2008) with more than 43,000 fans and a Twitter page (launched in 2010) with more than 7,500 followers.
Contests and promotions are offered on these social networks, such as a recent Facebook contest, "A Perfect Day on Amtrak," where passengers shared their Amtrak experiences for a chance to win free train travel.
The company said a record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY2010 on more than 300 daily trains at speeds up to 150 mph.