Internet sites put agencies on right track

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Many clients traveling in the U.S. and abroad agree with an old Amtrak commercial: "There's nothing like a train."

Whether used for long-distance travel, a sightseeing tour or getting around within a city, rail travel is a part of many leisure and business itineraries.

Although CRSs now offer access to major rail lines in their home market, the Internet gives agents access to a wealth of information about train travel worldwide.

With this information, agents can enhance their customer service by providing clients with advice, printed information or references to Web sites for further research.

I have listed a few sites to suggest the resources available on line for national/regional rail services, sightseeing services and commuter lines.

Be aware that most of the listed suppliers do not have a commission policy for agencies.

National and Regional

Railways

Sightseeing Railways

Commuter Rail and Subways

This list was compiled by Greg Merkley, president of Evanston, Ill.-based Travel Technology & Magic, which owns and operates the PositiveSpace on-line directory for travel agents at www.positivespace.com. All of these sites, along with complete contact information, are listed on PositiveSpace.