"Now 9 Amtrak Metroliners..." advertisement, 1971.

This advertisement was one in a series created for Amtrak between 1971 and 1973 by the Ted Bates agency of New York City. According to the text at the bottom of the piece, it was intended for placement in Washington newspapers. In a letter to Amtrak, the Ted Bates agency noted that advertising was placed in newspapers, radio, television and magazines, but the first two were preferred "because of their ability to present local information and immediate impact." In addition to the bold text, the advertisement includes a border that grows out of the first Amtrak service mark - a stylized arrow connoting movement.

The Metroliners were high-speed Budd electric cars designed for use on the Pennsylvania Railroad's busy mainline between New York and Washington. When Amtrak took over the nation's intercity passenger rail services, it increased Metroliner frequencies to meet demand. Luxurious interiors and fast running times made the train a viable competitor to regional airlines; thus this advertisement poses the question: "Take a Metroliner. Why should you look like you just got off a plane?"

From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.