(The Associated Press circulated the following article on November 1.)
WASHINGTON — Amtrak is following the example of the airlines and has started charging its passengers extra for last-minute seats.
Tickets purchased close to departure times are now running 15 to 25 percent higher than tickets bought weeks in advance. The change came early last month.
The Washington Post reports Amtrak’s new price structure is based on the amount of sales before departure. On more popular routes such as the Northeast Corridor Metroliner or Acela Express on Friday afternoons, last-minute ticket fares will be higher.
Amtrak began raising fares across the board last month to cover higher fuel costs and other expenses.