WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel agents and tour operators in 40 countries will soon be able to purchase Amtrak train tickets through a new web-based booking system. RailAgent, developed by Wandrian, will directly connect agents to Amtrak's own reservation system.

Amtrak is now inviting agents to register for the system that will become operational at the beginning of 2007.

RailAgent will streamline the worldwide distribution of Amtrak's rail products, allowing international travel professionals to book tickets and passes in real time, print ticket information for the first time, and receive higher commissions than ever before.

"We anticipate that this system will increase sales by reaching numerous Wandrian retail and business-to-business customers in over 40 countries, including the U.K., Australia, Japan, Germany and Canada," said Barbara Richardson, Amtrak's vice president of marketing and sales. "By working with Wandrian to provide direct connectivity, travel agents will find it easier to serve their customers, and ultimately, Amtrak expects to welcome more international travelers aboard our trains."

Through RailAgent's direct connection with Amtrak's Arrow reservations and booking system, tens of thousands of international travel agents and tour operators can quickly, easily and more cost effectively book rail tickets and passes and print ticket information for the first time.

"We are thrilled that Amtrak has chosen Wandrian's RailAgent global distribution system to sell rail globally," said Mike Fuller, President and Founder of Wandrian. "Our proprietary technology facilitates all aspects of the marketing and distribution of rail passes and tickets for the railroads."

"Amtrak RailAgent service will be on line in early 2007," said Christine Suchy, Amtrak's senior marketing officer of international sales. "However, international agents interested in booking through Amtrak RailAgent can register now at http://www.amtrak.railagent.com/ or attend live demonstrations at the World Travel Market in London, November 6-9 in the See America Pavilion at booth #22 and #12 for Amtrak and RailAgent respectively."

About Amtrak

Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.

About Wandrian, Inc.

Wandrian is a leading global travel distributor and technology developer for rail products and services. Wandrian provides travel agents with a cost-effective, easy-to-use site for selling rail at RailAgent.com. The company provides technology, marketing, and fulfillment services to help lower distribution costs for railways and travel companies, and also powers specific international rail travel sites, including Italiarail.com. Wandrian, based in White Plains, NY, and with offices in Newton, MA, was founded in 2000, and is funded by Brook Venture Partners and Boston Capital Ventures. Agents will also be supported by International Rail of the UK and Australia, division of Wandrian, Inc. The company's customers and partners include many of the top international travel companies and railroads. For more information visit http://www.wandrian.com/ or call 617-630-0250 ext. 297.

Wandrian, RailPass.com, RailAgent.com and RailAgent are trademarks of Wandrian, Inc. All other products and services are trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Vernae Graham of Amtrak, +1-510-238-4350; or Charles de Gaspe
Beaubien of Wandrian, +1-617-630-0250, ext. 297

Web site: http://www.wandrian.com/
http://www.amtrak.railagent.com/