GeoTours4U was created by Robert Catherman, an enthusiastic advocate for travel by rail and the stories that connect us to the places we visit.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert volunteered as a tour guide with the National Park Service aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder. Riding between Seattle, Washington, and Havre, Montana, he shared stories with passengers in the Sightseer Lounge car about the history, landscapes, and points of interest along the route.

Through this experience, Robert witnessed firsthand travelers’ deep curiosity about the world around them and their desire to better understand the places they were passing through.

When the pandemic brought on-board tour guide programs to a halt, it inspired a new question: How could Amtrak travelers continue to enjoy place-based stories and insights without a live guide?

The answer was GeoTours4U—a new approach to travel storytelling that uses GPS-based location-aware technology to deliver stories directly to travelers’ mobile devices. Through a mobile app, passengers can listen, learn, and explore the landscapes unfolding outside their windows at their own pace.

Today, Robert continues to promote the joy of rail travel by helping passengers discover the history, culture, and natural wonders along their journeys. GeoTours4U brings the experience of a knowledgeable guide to every seat on the train.