WHY AMERICA NEEDS AMTRAK

    /24-7PressRelease/ - NEWPORT BEACH, CA, September 8, 2005 — Transportation writer Daniel B. Zukowski has published a new e-book, "Why America Needs Amtrak," available now at Amazon.com.

"As Congress reconvenes, it will address the fundamental need of providing a healthy national rail passenger network for a secure American future," says Zukowski. "The experience of both September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina tells us that we should strengthen the third pillar of our transportation system."

This year has seen an unprecedented attack by critics of the nation's passenger railroad in an attempt to shut it down under the guise of reform, according to the author, who is a former New York Editor for Ward's Auto World and a freelance Op-Ed contributor to newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle, Newsday and the Roanoke Times.

As the e-book notes, "Amtrak critics contend that everyone either flies or drives. But, these competitive transportation modes are both facing severe challenges. They can not sustain themselves under their current operating model and may not be viable options to handle the expected 40% growth in passenger travel over the next two decades."

The author recently rode Amtrak's California Zephyr and spoke with passengers about their reasons for taking the train and their views toward Amtrak. He found that, "Travel by train represents the best of America: a diverse, egalitarian culture where everyone can sit together in the dining car or lounge car to meet, talk and enjoy our beautiful country."

"Why America Needs Amtrak" describes the success stories that Amtrak's critics try to hide and provides a compelling argument for Amtrak to become a strong, well-funded national passenger railroad. The author concludes, "To save our freedom of travel and our freedom of choice, America needs Amtrak now more than ever."

Daniel B. Zukowski is a freelance transportation writer and life-long train rider. He has appeared on national cable networks and been quoted in the Washington Post. Zukowski was also a high-ranking public relations industry executive serving automotive and transportation clients. Growing up in New York City, the author rode subways, buses, commuter trains and intercity trains. Now residing in Southern California, he continues to rely on Amtrak and Metrolink. He publishes a Web log at www.danzukowski.com focusing on transportation, trade and media issues.

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