FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cliff Black 
(202) 906-3860
ATK-00-100
October 2, 2000 

AMTRAK STRENGTHENS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FREIGHT PARTNERSHIPS WITH MAIL AND EXPRESS CONSOLIDATION

Washington, DC -Continuing its efforts to better serve customers and build commercial opportunities with its freight railroad partners, Amtrak today announced the consolidation of its Mail and Express business under the leadership of a veteran marketing executive from the freight industry.

"Over the past several years, we've worked successfully with our freight rail partners to develop a niche role in mail and express service," said Amtrak President and CEO George Warrington. "The opportunities ahead require a cohesive management structure which continues to build on our strong bonds with the freight railroads and our commitment to high-quality service for our time-sensitive commercial customers."

Lee H. Sargrad will serve as President of the Mail and Express unit. Sargrad, 46, whose career spans 15 years in the rail freight industry, most recently served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Triple Crown Services based in Fort Wayne, Ind. "Lee Sargrad's experience and strong leadership qualities will enable him to hit the ground running and unlock the value that we represent for both our customers and our freight railroad partners," said Warrington.

Additionally, Amtrak Vice President Ed Ellis has been named to the new position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Mail and Express. "Ed Ellis has done an excellent job in building this organization to where it is today and will continue to play a key role in maintaining and developing our commercial relationships," said Warrington.

Initially, Sargrad will undertake a 90-day review of the business operations and freight rail relations, update the unit's strategic plan and consolidate its business elements. As a first step, Warrington has asked Sargrad to personally meet with representatives of each of Amtrak's freight rail partners to review joint commercial opportunities.

Prior to his work with Triple Crown Services, Sargrad was Managing Director for Jet Fresh Associates, a management consulting and market development firm and Director of Marketing for Conrail. He received B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Pennsylvania State University.

"I look forward to providing the kind of leadership that will help us take advantage of time-sensitive commercial delivery opportunities, enhance our customer relationships and, importantly, build a strong foundation of joint interest with our freight partners," said Sargrad.

Amtrak operates a 22,000-mile intercity passenger rail system, serving more than 500 communities in 45 states. For more information about Amtrak, including schedules, fares and reservations, visit Amtrak's Web site at http://www.amtrak.com.