Tracks Are back!

Black font above a blue and red Amtrak logo on a white background.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, was created by an act of Congress in 1970, which brought together ailing privately run rail services across the US to form a hybrid public-private entity that would receive taxpayer funding to operate intercity passenger trains.  From the privately run services, Amtrak acquired rolling stock, equipment, capital, and crews.  They also acquired all the existing problems in the railroad systems such as facilities in need of maintenance and redundant stations.

After their formation on 1 May 1971, Amtrak consolidated the railroad system and began to make improvements to their inherited equipment and facilities. This button is an example of one produced by Amtrak between 1971-1974 to promote these improvements, which included refurbished rail cars, renovated stations and a simplified reservation system.

The name “Amtrak” is an amalgamation of the words "American" and "track."  The original logo - which was in use between 1971 and 2000 - featured the recognizable “motion mark,” and utilized the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.