Rail Passengers Association Membership Discount

The Rail Passengers Association (RPA) is America's largest rail advocacy organization, representing the interests of train passengers nationwide. Founded in 1967, RPA works to expand and improve passenger rail service across the United States through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

RPA's mission is to work for a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. The organization advocates for increased funding, improved service, and expanded routes while providing valuable benefits to its members, including the Amtrak discount program.

With over 30,000 members and local chapters across the country, RPA is the leading voice for passenger rail in the United States.

Rail Passengers Association members receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. This discount applies to most coach fares and represents significant savings for frequent rail travelers.

The actual savings depend on your travel frequency and routes, but many members find that the discount pays for the cost of their annual membership within just a few trips. For example:

• A $100 round trip would save you $10 with the RPA discount
• Five such trips would save $50, covering the cost of individual membership
• Regular travelers can save hundreds of dollars annually
• The discount applies to most routes across the Amtrak system

Beyond the financial savings, your membership supports important rail advocacy work that benefits all passengers.

To use the Rail Passengers Association discount, you must meet several booking requirements:

• Advance Purchase: Book tickets at least three days before travel for all trains, including unreserved services
• Membership Verification: Present your valid RPA membership card when tickets are issued
• Carry Card: Keep your membership card with you during travel as conductors may request verification
• Family Members: Each family member must carry their own card when traveling
• Online Booking: When booking online, select "Rail Passengers Association" as your discount type and enter your membership number without spaces or dashes
• Changes: Any itinerary changes must be made at least three days in advance to maintain discount eligibility

Failure to meet these requirements may result in having to pay the full fare difference.

Yes, the RPA discount has several important restrictions:

• Class Restrictions: Does not apply to non-Acela Business class, First Class, or private room accommodations
• Route Restrictions: Not valid on certain Amtrak Connection services
• International Travel: Not valid on the Canadian portion of services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada
• Combination with Other Offers: May not be combinable with other discount offers or promotions
• Advance Booking: Required three days before travel for all services
• Membership Verification: Must present valid membership card when tickets are issued and during travel

Additionally, the discount is subject to seat availability and may not be available on all trains at all times. Always check the specific terms when booking your travel.

Booking Amtrak travel with your RPA discount online is straightforward:

• Method 1: Use the Fare Finder at the beginning of your search and select 'Rail Passengers Association' for each passenger as appropriate. Then, enter your membership number on the 'Passenger Information' page.
• Method 2: In your user profile, select 'Rail Passengers Association' in the 'Travel Profile' section and enter your membership number. This will pre-select RPA as your discount type for future bookings.
• Membership Number: When entering your number, omit any spaces and dashes - enter only the digits
• Verification: The discount will be applied before payment, and you'll see the savings reflected in your total

If you encounter any issues applying your discount online, you can also book by phone through Amtrak reservations at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

The Rail Passengers Association offers several membership levels to suit different needs:

• Individual Membership: Basic membership for one person with full benefits including the Amtrak discount
• Family Membership: Covers two adults living at the same address, with each receiving their own membership card
• Supporting Membership: Higher contribution levels for those who wish to provide additional support for rail advocacy
• Lifetime Membership: One-time payment for permanent membership with all current and future benefits

All membership levels include the 10% Amtrak discount, advocacy benefits, publications, and access to RPA resources. Family memberships are particularly valuable for couples or families who travel together frequently.

Membership dues are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, as RPA is a 501(c)(4) organization.

After joining the Rail Passengers Association, you can expect to receive your membership materials within 2-3 weeks. This includes:

• Your official RPA membership card
• Welcome materials and information about benefits
• Details about your local chapter (if applicable)
• Information about RPA publications and resources

If you need to book travel before receiving your physical card, contact RPA member services to verify your membership status and obtain your membership number. In some cases, they may be able to provide temporary verification that you can use when booking Amtrak travel.

For digital-savvy members, some membership information may be available through online member portals shortly after joining.

No, the RPA discount requires advance booking and cannot be used for last-minute travel. Specific requirements include:

• All travel must be booked at least three days in advance of departure
• This applies to both reserved and unreserved trains
• Changes to existing itineraries must also be made at least three days in advance
• Same-day bookings are not eligible for the RPA discount

The three-day advance purchase requirement helps Amtrak manage capacity and offer the discount while maintaining revenue management. If you need to travel on short notice, you'll need to pay the full published fare.

For maximum flexibility while still receiving discounts, consider planning your trips in advance or exploring other Amtrak discount programs that may have different advance purchase requirements.