Amtrak unveiled its first national on-board magazine, The National, to enhance the experience for the 30 million customers who travel annually on Amtrak.

The free magazine is available in seatbacks throughout the Amtrak network, which connects customers to more than 500 destinations and 46 states across the country. In addition to the availability of the magazine in seatbacks, a new digital site is available to customers across digital, mobile, social, and onboard platforms.

The National is committed to offering original and informative writing from respected local and international contributors. In the first issue, customers will find a wide array of features, including travel essays, fiction, poetry, and fine-art photography. This edition will include lost early fiction from Jack Kerouac, an overview of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.; and a portrait of shrimpers on the Gulf Coast. A series of recurring editorial themes will include:

• Rail Life – Vignettes featuring people, places and experiences across the country.

• Made in America – Profiles of American companies.

• The National Conversation – Pop culture Q&A.

• Next Stop – In-depth feature on an effort to preserve or highlight an important piece of American culture or history.

• Photography Highlight – fine art photographer documenting unique elements of Amtrak train travel.

• Train of Thought – A personal essay related to train travel.

The National will be produced by travel media company Ink and produced out of the publisher’s New York office.