Visit the Voices of Hope website to learn more about the Rails to Recovery program.  Feel free to pass this on to anyone you know who could benefit from this service.

As of 7.18.2018 The Empire Service Rails to Recovery program has had 1,732 riders since inception.

The Amtrak Rails to Recovery program began in May of 2014 and was “soft-launched” in order to ensure that all 23 agencies involved would be able to handle the inquiries and provide the necessary support required for the program. From May to January of 2014 a total of 43 riders used the program. During 2015 it was decided that the VOH agencies and Amtrak were ready to promote it and various programs were put into effect such as an advertisement in NY by Rail, 5,000 Brochure rack cards that were distributed at Amtrak Stations, various events across the State, and at agencies participating in the program. The program was also discussed on the Stephanie Abrams national syndicated radio travel show broadcast out of Pittsfield, MA.  Thus far the program has been very well received by the customers who are using it and both Amtrak Station staff and VOH members have received positive feedback.

We look forward to continued success with the Rails to Recovery program in 2018 and we look forward to working in partnership with all the Voices of Hope agencies and their staff. We will continue to seek ways to inform customers of this program and for future improvements.  

EMPIRE SERVICE RAILS TO RECOVERY PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING MEDICAL CARE

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, Realtors® is proud to play a part in this wonderful program that gives qualifying families discounted fare on select travel.

Amtrak, in partnership with New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Voices of Hope, has launched “Empire Service Rails to Recovery,” a new program providing discounted rail fare for passengers and families traveling for treatment of life-threatening medical conditions.

Qualifying passengers can receive a Buy One – Get One Free discount on state-supported Amtrak Empire Service trains operating in New York State. To qualify, passengers should visit the Voices of Hope website and register with one of 22 participating member agencies. Once registered, the customer is directed to Amtrak.com to book travel and receive the discount.

“Amtrak is proud to partner with NYSDOT and Voices of Hope to launch this important program,” said Amtrak Government Affairs Officer Bill Hollister. “As members of this community, we are pleased to provide a valuable service to the traveling public, especially families already carrying the heavy burden of debilitating illnesses.”

“We are excited to work together with Amtrak and NYSDOT on the Empire Service Rails to Recovery Program that will benefit so many of our Capital Region Voices of Hope families touched by life-altering conditions,” said Sandra V. Nardoci, Chair and Co-Founder of Voices of Hope. “This program will greatly assist our families both financially and emotionally and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “NYSDOT is pleased to join with Amtrak and Voices of Hope to help families in need travel to receive urgently needed medical care. By discounting train fares for these important trips, we ensure that families have an affordable travel option that relieves the burden of traveling by car during a stressful time.”

About Amtrak® Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.

About Voices of Hope is a consortium of non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations located throughout the Capital Region that meet quarterly to network, exchange resources, ideas and share best practices. The organization’s mission statement is “To Collaborate, Bringing Hope and Services to Children and Families Touched By Life-Altering Conditions.” More information is available on our website.

About NYSDOT The New York State Department of Transportation’s mission is to ensure our customers – those who live, work and travel in New York State – have a safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation system. The Department oversees 17,500 bridges, more than 15,000 centerline miles of roadway, and numerous facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians, in addition to developing and coordinating comprehensive transportation policy. NYSDOT also assists in the development and operation of transportation facilities for railroads, mass transit systems, ports, waterways and aviation facilities. The Department also maintains a comprehensive statewide master plan for the balanced development of commuter and general transportation facilities. You can follow NYSDOT on Facebook and on Twitter (@NYSDOT).