WASHINGTON — It will cost more for private-car owners to travel under a new tariff set by Amtrak.

Along with its new rules limiting private-car destinations [see "New Amtrak guidelines add details on private-car, special-train moves," Trains News Wire, April 19], Amtrak has increased the base mileage rate for such cars and has made numerous amendments to fees for overnight parking, switching, and other services.

Effective May 1, 2018, the base mileage rate for private cars will be $3.26 per mile, up more than 12 percent from the current $2.90. Additional cars will be $2.50 per mile, also up more than 12 percent from $2.22. The railroad has also increased its base overnight parking fee to $155, but some facilities will be more expensive. In Portland, Ore., the overnight parking rate will be $270, while Boston’s rate will be $360. In Chicago, the premium daily parking rate will become $600. Rates will also increase for private car owners who use Amtrak facilities for short-term and long-term parking.

Short-term parking per month will be $2,400, up from $2,085; long-term parking will be $1,600 per month, an increase from $1,391. Amtrak is also increasing its terminal switching fees and waste-tank service costs, and is tacking on a $400 annual administrative fee.

These new rates come less than seven months after Amtrak’s last increase, on Oct. 1, 2017. That adjustment was based on the Association of American Railroads’ quarterly index of prices and wage rates.

Along with its new tariffs, the passenger railroad the amendments would be adjusted “from time to time at the discretion of Amtrak.”

A copy of the published tariff is available here.