Amtrak’s National Magazine Rolls onto the Tracks

As their Northeast Corridor titles shutters, the company goes nationwide with a new title.

In-transit magazines continue to evolve to meet the traveling public’s need for engagement. And Ink, publisher of 28-inlfight magazines, has taken on U.S. railroad industry.

“Amtrak is launching its first national magazine in October,” writes Becky Peterson in Folio:. “The National, a bi-monthly print magazine and digital portal, will be produced by the London-based publisher Ink. The new magazine will be available on up to 300 daily trains across the US.”

“In our first issue you’ll find all kinds of stories — travel essays, reported pieces, fiction, poetry, and fine-art photography — and a range of voices from across the country. As you pass the hours, we hope you’ll find it an enjoyable read — and a compelling case to see America by train,” said executive editor Alex Hoyt in a statement.

It replaces Arrive, the iconic magazine of the Northeast Corridor; the last issue of that title pulls out of the station this summer, although most of the staff is being taken on by the new publication.

While Arrive is out, regionally-sponsored magazines will continue to have a place onboard, Peterson notes.

“Amtrak will continue to carry state-sponsored magazines. A spokesperson with the company said it has an open offer with the 48 continental states to keep regional magazines in train seat pockets,” she writes.

“That includes OnTrak magazine, a quarterly publication on the Cascades route, published by Statehood Media and funded by Oregon and Washington state. The magazine launched in 2014 and continues to print issues today, according to Kevin Max, chief content officer of Statehood Media,” she continues.

With in-flight magazines soaring high, and the leisure travel niche getting a makeover, this sounds like a great move on Amtrak’s part. Can’t wait to pick up a copy!