UPDATE: Amtrak says an unauthorized individual previously was using the @Amtrak Twitter account, but the rail line has now secured it for itself. The @AmtrakUSA account was a placeholder while efforts were under way to get the @Amtrak account.
Amtrak, the federally funded rail line operating in 46 states, launched a Twitter account, @AmtrakUSA, the other day and is trying to get its social-media act together.
As of this writing, AmtrakUSA has issued a modest two tweets and had 13 followers since March 4, but has hired a social media director and is making sure that internal stakeholders, including corporate communications and customer relations, are on board with the effort.
The rail line is also establishing a social-media policy for employees with guidelines about how to handle status updates on Amtrak’s Facebook page, for instance.
As with many travel companies these days, Amtrak has had internal debates about whether getting involved with social media is too risky or the smart thing to do.
Apparently the social media advocates have won out for now — or at least they have been granted permission to test the waters.
Amtrak opted to establish the AmtrakUSA account because the Amtrak name was being used by an unauthorized user.
With the rail line having just launched its AmtrakUSA Twitter handle, it’s too early to assess the direction of Amtrak’s Twitter strategy.
Perhaps Amtrak doesn’t even have it totally formulated yet.
In other Amtrak tech-oriented news, the rail line introduced AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi service for all first and business-class passengers on its 20 Acela Express trains.
Amtrak partnered with GBS Group and Nomad Digital to deploy the service, which initially will be free, but the compensation model will be under review.
In addition, Amtrak is introducing Wi-Fi for all passengers in gate areas at eight stations in the Northeast.
The rail line already offers Wi-Fi in its ClubAcela lounges at several major stations.
Hey Dennis – FYI Amtrak Vacations (operated by Yankee Holidays) has had its SM act together for sometime on Twitter and FB.
Douglas: As you know, there is such a rabid debate going on behind the scenes in the travel industry. Some companies — or importantly, some segments of companies — are steadfastly against it or give it short shrift. Then there are earlier adopters like Amtrak Vacations. There is a major gap between the social-media believers and nonbelievers.
Hello gentleman,
I am very happy to see Amtrak creating a Twitter account – and that their Facebook fan page has over 11,600 fans. As a private company (Yankee Holidays) that operates the Amtrak Vacations brand for Amtrak, we clearly benefit from the name recognition that Amtrak enjoys in the domestic and international marketplace, and we do all possible to “spread the word”. Sometimes that means being out of the box first when it comes to social networking – made easier by the fact that I am nost definitely a “believer”. Thank you for spreading the word.
Paul O’Meara
VP, Sales
Yankee Holidays / Amtrak Vacations
“Amtrak, the federally funded rail line operating in 46 states…”
Just curious — do you make it a rule to refer to DOTs, interstates, airports, etc. as “federally/state/taxpayer funded”?
Bennett: I mention in the case of Amtrak because I believe it feels that it may have to tread ever so lightly in social-media because it often is in the crosshairs of Congress.
So, no, it’s not my habit but I thought it was relevant in this instance. I could have explained the reference better, though.