Amtrak is expected to roll out a new policy in January 2027 that allows passengers to take firearms to their seats in lockboxes.
Those 18 and older will reportedly be allowed to bring declared, unloaded firearms and ammunition in carry-on bags on trains that don't offer checked baggage. This includes the Northeast Regional and Acela.
Under the new policy, the weapons would be brought in cases to an Amtrak station agent, who would add an Amtrak combination lock.
The agent at the arrival station would then remove the lock.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Transport Workers Union, which called the policy "lunacy."
“You can’t walk onto a plane with a gun; it has to be checked with your luggage and stowed away,” TWU International Rail Division Director John Feltz said. “So why allow guns in passenger cars on trains where there are also passengers in confined spaces? This is sheer lunacy.”
Feltz added: “A case or lock could be defective, or an enraged rider could use brute force to access a weapon. Either scenario will endanger the lives of riders and our members working on trains.”
Currently, Amtrak allows riders to transport firearms on a few dozen long-distance trains. Those weapons must be stored in secure baggage cars.
Editorial note: This story has been updated to reflect the reported new weapons and ammunition policy.
