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Asset Allocation
Often financial "experts" make asset allocation difficult to understand. My goal in this series of articles is for you to understand asset allocation thoroughly, in an easy to understand format.Transportation - Bus and Rail Discounts
By: SeniorDiscounts.com - The Largest Directory of Discounts for Seniors
The cost of traveling by air and auto just keeps getting more expensive. From increased air fares and additional fees for baggage to the cost of gas at the pump, traveling this year could put a real dent in your wallet. When planning your travel this summer, don't forget about some of the more scenic ways in which to reach your destination.
So many of us are flying or driving these days, that we forget to consider trains and buses as an inexpensive alternative that can provide a great way to see the country.
Trains and buses are typically more cost effective than airlines and can even be a better deal with the discounts available for mature travelers. Since many airlines have discontinued or modified their senior discounts in the past couple of years, finding a comparable senior fare can be difficult.
We have listed some of the senior discounts for bus and rail travel offered by the major national providers. There are also hundreds of local and regional train and bus lines throughout the country, most of which offer some form of senior discount. (Many of these local train and bus deals can be found in the SeniorDiscounts "search area for Gold and Premium members.)
So next time you are traveling and have a little extra time, look into these alternatives and their discounts:
AMTRAK
Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees.
Discount: Amtrak travelers aged 62 and over receive a 15% discount off the applicable adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains. (Discount does not apply to sleeper accommodations or the Auto Train.) A 10% discount is also available to seniors 60+ on the North America Rail Pass. (30 Days, 2 countries, 1 pass.) Amtrak also has Children's Discounts, Student Discounts, Military Discounts and Veteran's Discounts. Visit their web site for details and restrictions.
Greyhound Bus Lines
Greyhound Lines is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,100 destinations with 16,000 daily departures across North America.
Discount: Greyhound passengers age 62 and older may request a 5% discount on unrestricted passenger fares.
eSavers Discount: Save 10% by purchasing your ticket online for advertised locations. Greyhound also has Children's Discounts, Student Discounts, Military Discounts and Veteran's Administration Discounts. Visit the web site or call for details and any restrictions. Appropriate ID may be required.
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Offer services between New York and Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and other destinations on the east coast.
Discount: A 5% discount on one-way and round-trip unrestricted adult fares is available to customers 62 years of age and older. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional fares.
Trailways Transportation System
Trailways is a regionally-based ground transportation system that is comprised of privately owned and operated companies (franchisees) throughout the United States.
Discount: Many of the privately owned and operated companies, which are franchised by Trailways Transportation System, provide discounts to seniors. Visit the Trailways web site for links to the various operators' web sites and to search for their discounts. Age requirements and discount amounts will vary by each provider.
VIA Rail Canada
VIA operates trains in all regions of Canada over a network spanning the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. They also have stops in various northern US cities.
Discount: Receive a special senior discount fare of 10% off the full adult fare in Comfort (Economy) class. Aside from a discount off the regular fare, seniors can also travel with a companion at no extra charge during most of the year. Via Rail also offers other perks for seniors including priority boarding and special meals. Visit their web site for details. Restrictions are located on the Via Rail web site.
