Amtrak

"I am talking to more than one attorney--is this really the way this must be resolved?"
Well, obviously you're NOT talking to ANY attorneys unless you're ignoring their advice and actively trying to hurt your own case by making wild, unsupportable, outrageous accusations! Further, how're all the posts on Facebook working out for you? Let's see - first one was November 3, 2010 and, since then, you've posted this complaint, with minor variations, on:
"Dr. Mehmet Oz" site, "The Rachel Maddow Show" site, "Mental Disability Advocacy Center" site, "Australian Federation Disability Organisation" site, "Larry King Live" photo site, "Amtrak California" site, "Brain Injury Association of Nebraska" site, "Anderson Cooper 360" site, "Traumatic Brain Injury Support" site, "CNN +" site, "Chicago Press Release Service" site, "Maryland Disability Law Center" site, "Press Release Limited" site, and "Donald J. Trump" site. Did I miss anyone? It's abundantly obvious you have a LOT of time on your hands, "Sebastian!"

If, as you frequently complain on various Facebook sites, Amtrak smashed expensive equipment you need to carry on a normal life, why, oh WHY, don't you have an attorney? As a disabled individual/family, you have MANY opportunities to engage legal assistance at little or no charge to yourself! Why are you so busy writing these faux and/or ignored Press Releases if you have a legitimate gripe?

Amtrak, disabled woman reach settlement Update response to Amtrak--http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?setCity=bis&ArticleId=118954
Sadly I have never gotten any mail from Amtrak I have asked for it a number of times and I was told it was sent to "my" address in PA.

Why would the mail be sent to PA when I clearly live in Los Angeles, Ca? Seems like a stall tactic.
 
I corrected Amtrak’s "mistake" and asked everything be forwarded to 9595 Wilshire Blvd #900 BH CA 90212, again sadly nothing.
It is strange and dubious as to why nothing has been neither forwarded nor mailed to me directly—I have verified it with the professional service that accepts my mail and they have confirmed that nothing has been sent to me from Amtrak. It has been recorded in their records-this is a service I have used for over 5 years.
This situation, at the very least, sounds like a very detrimental situation for Amtrak, I remind you this is NOT my opinion but rather information provided to me by the professional mail receiving service.

I have no motive nor anything to gain by pretending I have gotten mail from Amtrak when I have not—I would strongly suggest it is quiet the opposite-- I have everything to lose by such a tactic.

 After all who cares if I don't answer you what can that possibly garner for me?

Kirby Cox and Edwin are on my DV camera and while difficult to hear it is not impossible to hear them both did admit to quite a few problems, in regard to the damage to BOTH my disability scooter as well as my wheelchair. They both went out of their way to document damage that I had not initially realize was there myself-- it was all quite shocking with the level of damage to both Chairs.

Damage that clearly shows that the most the most likely cause was a drop from a height as well as damage that would require repeated turning and deliberately twisting to create such damaged to the disability vehicles. Simply that such parts of the disability scooter and wheelchair could have only removed and damaged by repeated and deliberate twisting.
I remarked at how impressed and grateful I was at their honesty. They also commented on their lack of understanding as to why each was 'wrapped' ( I use this term in an overly generalized way) AND separately and differently AND not up to Amtrak's specifications as clearly described by Edwin.
 
Both machines were 6 months old. Both providers (not me) are very aware of their condition and documented maintenance.
 
I even went out of my way to baby my chair upon arrival from my parting port--it was very sad that no one was there to help me with both wheelchairs. I am not sure why I had no help and I was forced to move the bigger heavy wheelchair on my own ridiculous, but I was had to as my children, who are fragile need to board the train.

It will also prove unhelpful to Amtrak that both OTHER significantly older chairs look nearly new or excellent condition. Also you failed to explain and understand that both of this disability vehicles were under 6 months old and are, even to this day being paid for.

I have no motive to abuse my chair (and all records indicate the opposite) and have every reason to care for them as both of my children are disabled.
 
You further failed to address Kathy Bakers and/or the other Amtrak employees smell and behavior and my denial of my filing an ADA complaint. I am NOT referring to any internal documents nor confidentiality agreements you have with your employee (s). It is clear that the handful (5-6?) of Amtrak s personnel were acting reprehensibly and we are clearly entitled to a full refund for our horrible and abusive trip. And I continue to insist upon it.

I look forward to seeing the security tapes and beyond that I am excited as I know what happened without any additives.

They will clearly show a Chicago Transit Officer assisting me and holding my arm, my hand and giving me a hug after words-hardly images that will support any false and evil theory you might want to inject about any slanderous and defamatory negative insinuations by Amtrak about any behavior on my part.

They will also demonstrate that all our bag were weighed, at MY insistence and the heaviest ones was 42 pound and the rest were 22 pound or less. Yes in some instances Amtrak may have followed the “rules” but they were applied in an inappropriate way and one designed to abuse and physically harm me, yes physically harm me. Disabled people should not be moving their own luggage, pushing carts being forced to march and weigh items under their own power. This is cruel and abusive; and certainly their can be no legitimate reason to have to show 7 employes in a row your ID.

I believe these acts constitute what would be equivalent to cruel and unusual punishment. I pray the security tapes are still in existence. Then this he said she said can be put in its proper place-the trash bin. There is no way you will be able to justify me having to be FORCED to doing all the above described acts. What explanation will Amtrak be able to offer? I promise you the my behavior in ALL security tapes going to and from PA will not support this false supposition that some in your employee have tried. They will document that me and my family revived many and repeated hugs and handshakes from Amtrak employees.

Hardly this unruly passenger that some have alleged—of course I must be the bad person in this situation. How can I be the good one? If I am to be deemed a good guy it brings much of Amtrak's behavior to an unmerciful verdict.
 
I am talking to more than one attorney--is this really the way this must be resolved?
 
Really?
 
I was trapped on a darkened train and all alone because the conductor was in a rush to get off.  Despite my pleas it took longer than it should have for them to get me out and turn the lights back on. It was right after I had suffered a series of seizures and my eyesight was particularly poor. I was frightened and felt like a prison on a darkened abandoned train. I was fearful I would be injury myself in the darkness having to remove two wheelchairs AGAIN on my own. Where were Amtrak employes? Even from a security point of view why was I allowed to be left on a train alone for an inappropriate period of time in the dark?

My little children, who were waiting for my outside were very distressed over the whole situation. What sort of thing is this to do to 3 disabled people. As an import side note; Ms. Marty Martin found herself in similar situation with Amtrak-also left alone and abandoned also disabled and a senior citizen, all facts which will not shine bright upon your organization. I am not educated in such matter but it is difficult to imagine that the media would look at such instances as anything other than a serious breach in a chain of proper security protocols and an abusive of disabled people.

After I complained about this when, after another inordinate wait, the red caps finally showed up. Again how was a disabled man the last one to DE-train when he should have been first? When they finally arrived they dragged my luggage on the ground and acted incredibly irritated at our existence.
Again I would be excited to see the security tapes!

You are hugely mistaken if you think I fear them—I am certain clever lawyers would be able to make effective arguments in certain areas but it seems doubtful that they would be able to effectively neutralize the sum total of them nor the most damaging aspects of them. And any little they would be able to accomplished would be built on a foundation of lies.

Is this really what you want to be doing with your life? Spending time making
up lies against a poor and sick disabled family who only want their wheelchairs fix after Amtrak broke them?

Is this an admirable goal?

That due to my lack of an effective disability scooter I have lost at least two jobs and me and my children are living on a hotel vouchers designed for the homeless? To you this, something Amtrak is DIRECTLY responsible for, is fair?

I ASKED Amtrak what was “--the best way to ship them--” (and so did My wife and my sister-in-law) we followed the guidelines Amtrak laid out for me and went the extra step by removing mirrors and other items and took additional measure above and beyond what you employes had outlined to insure their safe transport.

If you wanted to create and environment to file a claim it seem leaving the mirror in place would have been a perfect opportunity. Why remove them why go thru all the hassles we did?
You sound like a cop who been on his beat to long—everyone got an angle right—every ones a liar? Is that it?

All I can do is FOLLOW Amtrak s guidance in such matters I am NO expert in shipping disability wheelchairs on a train.

I did as I was told. Period.
 
My disability ID was hanging around my neck they asked to see it—umm OK—I remarked that shouldn’t you be asking to see my ID BEFORE I get on the train NOT after I got off of it? And why do 7 people need to see it? Are they the seven Stooges? At the Very least does that sound like competent system to you? Yeah they weren't doing it to harass me right?

Is that what you tell yourself? Does it work? Do you believe it?
 
Without going into every detail (far from it) as this was a never ending nightmare Kathy Baker refused my right to file a complaint—the laws under ADA, as I understand it clearly state I am entitled to file a complaint even if it is discovered to have no merit. And to deny me the right to file it is a violation of my rights, again even if that claim has NO MERIT!
 
I understood very clearly that Kathy Baker was giving me a choice ( once more the security tapes will show we weighed all the packages and none exceed required limits—she did though claim I had one too many—so I disagreed but surrendered because I wanted my disabled sick children to get on the train. Don't worry The McDonnell's will testify as to our behavior. And considering their background they will make very powerful witnesses.
 
What’s my proof that the 6 other parcels weren’t over weight? Ms. Baker let me take them with me. Whats my proof I was unruly the transit police-I engaged them on both occasions and they were kind warm and generous. I don't think you'll get any help their.

Perhaps you should turn this over to your legal department, matter of fact I request you do so if you are not going to be reasonable —I need their name and address if you wish to go the summons and complaint right—and I am not talking small claims court either. As you know the most likely would be a mandatory settlement conference ordered by a federal judge and we would be forced to resolve it their, for a level I am sure would exceed the repairs to both wheelchairs and the refund of our round trip.

Is this the rout you wish to go? Even having to answer the summons and complaint
served to you by federal marshals, because I have no one to severe you and I'll be forced (if I choose to proceed without a lawyer) to file IN FORMA PAUPERIS. My filing fee would be zero, your motions to file with the court would not.

All of this would go well beyond what you would invest now by simply doing the right thing which is all I ever asked for. Many of your employes were rude cruel and abusive and it is hard to believe BOTH of wheelchairs were NOT destroyed out of spite.

Not negligence but maliciousness.

Whose going to believe that I tried to file a complaint for being locked on a cold dark abandoned train, my luggage was tossed about and abused, I was repeatedly asked for my id (while it was hanging around my neck--displayed—I went to file a complaint, I was told I had enough time to file a complaint or board the next train that had a 3 hour lay over-I was forced to move my own luggage, we were abused by your conductor all the way to La and LO and Behold BOTH of my wheelchairs are destroyed; one wont work at all and the other only goes in reserve.

Who on God's green Earth is going to believe that—you better start looking for the OJ jury and see if their available—their your one and only hope.
How is this a payday? This is just what's right-make the repairs to the chairs. You know and I can prove that both are six months old.

Yeah I'd have to get federal subpena to do so and get a very wealthy and affluent business man from San Diego to testify as to what condition the chair was in and how old it was when he donated it to me. He already told me while he would like to come, for business reason he'd have to demonstrate it was under court order—no one likes to go to court we get it.

You're right I am responding to the pressure that I don't want him to hate me or anyone—after all he gave me a 27K (plus) chair and DELIVERED to me from San Diego to Los Angeles at his expense (hundreds of dollars) and now you want me to subpoena him?

You're right I DON'T want to BUT I will.

Yeah and I'd have to subpoena the repair and maintenance records from my other wheelchair provider (let's be honest I am not getting these without court orders-I already tried-my phone company told me the same thing about my relevant text messages we sent re: Amtrak-yep I can only get them with a court order).

Great whose the bad guy here? Me? I don't want a lawsuit-its you.

I'll be a hassle and everyone will be VERY unhappy most people HATE to go to court or even PREPARE anything for court but after all is said and done I'll have it and Amtrak WILL lose more in time and money and reputation than if you just do the right thing, the FAIR thing.

ADA Title II: State and Local Government Activities The transportation provisions of title II cover public transportation services, such as city buses and public rail transit (e.g. subways, commuter rails, Amtrak). Public transportation authorities may not discriminate against people with disabilities in the provision of their services. They must comply with requirements for accessibility in newly purchased vehicles, make good faith efforts to purchase or lease accessible used buses, re-manufacture buses in an accessible manner, and, unless it would result in an undue burden, provide para-transit where they operate fixed-route bus or rail systems. Para-transit is a service where individuals who are unable to use the regular transit system independently (because of a physical or mental impairment) are picked up and dropped off at their destinations.

You should also understand that the problems run ever deeper as Mr. Brown, Mrs. Martin, Paul, Beth, Shausana both of the McDonells and a few others were witness to much of Amtrak’s antics.
 
How about our ride BACK to LA? What happened there? Did Mrs. Baker have a friend on crew who took revenge on us? Because we were treated like death row inmates on our way to California/ Denied Bathroom access, equal use of chairs as seating as abled bodied passenger i.e. an abled bodied passenger was allowed to use 4 seats while we only allowed to stay in our wheelchairs.
 
The conductor was rude and abusive, again I was far from the ONLY one who thought so, and yes I have stayed in touch with everyone on board. And being locked in a cold dark train, last one off, denied the right to file a complaint and being threatened at being thrown off the train if I did--”you can file a complaint or catch your train but not both” That's pretty clear isn't it? If not not there are many other wildly inappropriate, abusive, racist, statements that were made along are train ride to hell.
 
Then BOTH my 6 month old wheelchairs are smashed, yeah really? They are still being paid off. I had no incentive other then take the best care I could of them. When I spoke to your person in Philly he is mistaken, nice guy but wrong I told him about my previous chair and the problems I had with that one, hence my 2 new ones, only 6 months old, not yet paid off. That wheelchair was a pediatric one that was mistakenly sent to me, an event well documented both by the state of California, the mobility and my instance company.
I asked your personal if there was ANY paperwork for me to fill out re: shipping my wheelchair they told me “NO.” Much like a rental car agency that is the time to document any scratches or damage. Further when I FIRST shipped with you I DID fill out paperwork and the employes DID remark the stellar condition BOTH wheelchairs were in and how they needed to demonstrate EXTRA care due to that fact, THEY noted it not me. It was clear there was nothing to document and that’s why I was provided nothing to sign.

Nice try but you'll get no traction there.

Please tell me this can be resolved with level heads and commons sense repairs refund and a letter of an apology would be fair.
 
It’s hardly a pay day, who wanted a horrible ride with my disabled family or the destruction of my 2 wheelchairs?

What sense does that make?

Thanks Seb (my complaint)

 

you were the problem, you could have immediately either unplugged, or set your laptop computer in the seat on the other, right-hand, side of the train, but you chose to be an egomaniac entitled to keep your computer on and plugged in unsafely across the aisle. You fussed and stalled acting like an entitle jerk, computer convenience, not necessity, was more important to you than your fellow passengers' safety and duties of the conductor to monitor unsafe situation you could have easily ended more quickly.

I totally agree. They almost allowed an elderly women to bleed to death had I not been on the scene only to find out that I had no accommodations for my family which was reserved a month ago. The conductor who promised me a refund, which I took on the honor system, was no good. Customer service told me that it was my job to assist because of my medical background and pretty much told me they were not obligated to give me a refund because they screwed up and the conductor did not put it in writing. I am seeking legal action against Amtrak, along with the Attorney General and BBB. Date of incident July 13, 2010 time 11:20pm. Conductor Thomas Jordan Customer Service Agent Carla (My name Carla Hall email hallcmh@yahoo.com) If anyone out here would like to be apart of this suite against Amtrak please email me ASAP.

I am also bagless... but I checked my bag and had a bag claim. I was traveling from Wilmington, DE to Wilmington, NC ( train goes to Wilson, NC with bus thruway to Wilmington- 4 hours away) . I got off the train and NO baggage. The station bag handler told me, it must be on the next train, took my information and said he would call me as soon as the next train came in. He called, my baggage was NOT on the next train. Said he would have the train check the baggage car again at the next stop & check with Delaware. ( He never told me they were closing at 5 and he was going home). When I got to where I was staying, approx. 5 hours away from the train station - there was a message on my answer from a woman who said she had my luggage and spoke nice at first, cause she thought I had her luggage. Once she found out I didn't - she didn't care to talk to anymore - just said she would get her bag at the station tomorrow and give them my bag. So, my bag will still be 5 hours away ( 10 hours round trip) . I called customer relations. Waited on hold for over an hour and 15 minutes - and he was absolutely rude ! Didn't know why I was upset and said all they do is file a report ( what a "cake" job ) . That I needed to contact the station in Wilson in the morning - they could NOT do anything for me ! I don't think I will EVER ride AMTRAK again and I know I will NEVER check my luggage. Every time I ride Amtrak there is some kind of problem - so I am done ! They do absolutely NOTHING for their customers. When your on the train, they treat you like crap and have all their buddy-buddy time and do things they are not suppose to do, but they all do those things, so no one "rats" each other out. They are on the cell phones, which they are not suppose too. Last time, about 2 weeks ago, when I was traveling the same route, they gave my seat to someone else ( a BIG guy) - there were 3 tags on 2 seats. I went to the cafe car, came back, and he was sitting there. When traveling west last year - I had a conductor and other crew taking alot of seats in the cafe car and then telling me I had to leave for other people. When customer relations contacted me after I gave a bad survey - he told me the crew should not be there, that is for customers and it was on a first come, first served - and he should not have told me and my friends to leave. But they NEVER did anything about it. There are SO many people who need jobs- I don't know why Amtrak keeps all these "bad" employees and pays them pretty well. Good Luck to you in any of your travels. .. .. see you on the road !

Amtrak is backed by the "amtrak Act" which disallows any lawsuits involving the company. Presumably this includes the case of a woman in a wheelchair being "thrown" off a train . the court ruled in favor of Amtrak due to the law that favors Amtrak, presumably to keep the "trains moving" regardless of instances of misinformation regarding refunds, train collisions, disabled being ousted, etc.

AVOID the hassle. DON"T TRAVEL AMTRAK. Perhaps we can all send them a message.
BOYCOTT AMTRAK.

Amtrak is financed partially through tax payer money.
How unusual (not) to be given misinformation, treated poorly and be refused to talk to someone who has any power to help you.
Thx for the ticket info. I'll pass it along to my e-mail list.

To the person who had to deal with the broken ticket scanner issues out of Bridgeport, CT and the stranding of their son:

Contact your credit card company ASAP and contest the charge for the original fare. Be prepared to present all receipts for both tickets so you can show that you had to pay a fare twice for the same person on the same day for the same trip which should be evidence enough that you never got what you paid for the first time.

Additionally, if your son was a minor at the time I would also consider bringing charges against Amtrak for the reckless endangerment of a minor, and maybe even a suit for causing mental anguish and all that if you're so inclined. Even if you don't win they'll think twice before doing something that stupid again. Good Luck.

if they are right person, whu they don't accept payment against delivery.I think they are not genuine person.

Dear sir,

This lottery is true ?, Please dont play the games with people,

is it true, please explain what is the use of this to you

this is a spam mail, even i got the same mail today... Please do not give any info abt yourself, they'll track your back acc and steal the money or they'll tell us to pay some amt for shipping chargers.

Dear Sir

I received EMAIL today with title: “CLAIMS APPROVED PLEASE(CONTANT AMTRAK COURIER COMPANY FOR WINNING CLAIMS)”

and say in content: CONGRATULATIONS! I hereby notify you that I have forwarded your winning cheque of 500, 000.00 GBP to the courier firm that will handle the delivery.

And ask me to send:

Full Name:
Occupation:
Sex:
Country:
Age:
Marital Status:
Next Of Kin:
Residential Address:
Phone/Fax Number:

I want to know please, Is this mail is truth or trickery?

And if truth, understand me what i do and next procedure?

Several times a year, I would like to travel on Amtrak from Boston to New York City...I understand that prices are lowest when booking a month in advance...roughly $46 each way. But the closer one gets to travelling, say a week before, this same ticket goes to $95 each way...Most people including myself do not plan specific dates way ahead...more like 5-7 days ahead...So as a result, I end up taking the bus, for $18-24 each way...

I wonder how many empty seats Amtrak has because of this...They do not run it as a business. It's not like an Airline, because there are alternatives--

busses and driving in one's car...I think if Amtrak were a privately run company, they would do things differently...And they would actually

show a profit...If only they would hold prices down for ticket buyers who buy with a week to go before riding, they would sell a lot more seats!

I just purchased a ticket online from Boston, MA to Kingston, RI on December 9th. The fare that came up was $16.00 for Coach. I opted to pay the extra $12.00 for Business. When I did this, the fare went up to $28.00. I did not notice that I was charged $33.00 for the ticket until AFTER I hit 'ok'. I called the 800 number and your customer service representative, while professional, told me that it was because "The coach fare was for a 14-day advance ticket. The regular price is $21.00." Well, if it IS $21.00, then shouldn't it be advertised as such? I feel completely misled here, scammed truly. There was NOTHING that said "your price WILL go up" just something that said "your price MAY go up". This is completely unacceptable...I anticipated paying one price and got shnookered into paying another price. I didn't want to press the issue at first, but then I realized that you are truly not being upfront about your ticket prices. $5.00 is $5.00. I understand completely that it isn't a large amount of money...for one person. I just can't help but imagine how many people Amtrak has done this to unknowingly.

Roy! In the words of the prophet, you are most definitely a 'pillock', n if you more than likely don't know what that means, get yourselsteal, which is more likely, of the Oxford English Dictionary, there are many words in there, but alas no pictures to colour in! You will find many many exciting and wonderful revelations, such as words that have not only 1 'p' but another too! I know, i know it, s all too much isn't it? I would certainly recommend a course in humorous prose as well, as i didn't laugh very much either! Shamone!1

Hey this is Roy I'm the vice president for Amtrak . I have the Amtrak police at the train stations to look out for homeless people and suspicious activity.And I get some police to watch out for people failing to stoping for the railroad gates when they come down.

This is a warning for every consumer who purchases a ticket off Amtrak's website and then expects to have to option to cancel and get a refund. The website was designed so that you can't cancel the ticket. You have to call a customer service rep. The rep will tell you they will process the refund but neglect to offer to send you an e-mail confirming that you cancelled the ticket.

Ask for the refund confirmation sent to your e-mail. Amtrak places a hold on the funds with your bank or credit card and does not complete the transaction for several days. If you cancel during this time, they will take the money after your cancellation and put it in a general fund. The money sits there for up to 120 days before it's returned.

The way to get around this, is just plain don't book a ticket on Amtrak. Just in case anything happens, you'll be frustrated and angry that they won't process your refund. I am suing them in my local small claims court, and if you want to sue them too, send me an e-mail. I will have the name and address of their attorney so you can serve them the papers.

If you read all the blogs and posts about the terrible experiences people have on Amtrak, you really have no business being on the train in the first place. Find another way to get there. I've ridden the train for 20 years at least, and frankly, it's a nightmare. I'm glad they ripped me off this time, just to remind me how awful Amtrak really is.

I feel for you! I am American: My experience with Amtrak rudeness when I was pregnant over 30 years ago caused me to never travel Amtrak a second time! Apparently nothing has changed in the past 35 years. I had a question re: address of a RR crossing and was talked to so rudely by a woman at the 263 number in INdianapolis, Indiana just now! So 'Rude' and uncaring is obviously the Amtrak policy! However, I called the National Number and Nancy Unger was POLITE and HELPFUL! So she must have flunked her rudeness class!
That 800 operator provided my first-ever DECENT experience with Amtrak!
I am caucasian American and I can tell you that race is not the factor: Amtrak is apparently equally RUDE to everyone from anywhere in the world.

My train was to leave Chicago, Union Station, on Thursday November 19, 2010. (# 59 ) City Of New Orleans. at 8:00 pm, enroute to Jackson Ms. The train did not leave until 10: 30 pm, the delay was due to, engine problems. You could not leave the train, you could use the toliet however you were unable to flush. This trip was a nightmare, was suppose to be an 15 hr, 12 min, turned out to be 3 hour delay. It would have been nice if, the staff would have kept the passagner informed. I am a senior citizen, and I doubt if I will ever take the train again. The public deserve better, please look into improving services.

I too experienced the callous customer service and misinformation. Now I'm stuck waiting for... who knows how long before/if I get a refund.

AVOID AMTRAK... don't support this ripoff scheme.

We took the train to NYC from Atlanta GA the first week in December. I was very sad to find out the service has changed in the Dining Car. Everything is microwaved just like airplane food. It was awful! And so much paper and plastic waste is being generated with the microwaved meals at a time when the plastics issue is being recognized as a huge environmental problem. It was a treat to eat in the dining car. It made the extra time spent in travel worthwhile. I protest!

I've read a LOT of bleeding-heart complaints about Amtrak service, most of which could have been avoided. Here's my Top Ten List for Amtrak travelers: 1) Don't board the train with a chip on your shoulder. It is YOUR attitude that dictates how you are treated by the Amtrak staff and fellow passengers. Boarding the train with an attitude of, "Hello, Amtrak. What can I to make your job easier today?" goes a LONG way toward making your travel experience more enjoyable for everyone. 2) The train is often off-schedule, and almost all of the time it is due to circumstances beyond Amtrak's control. Yes, there are occasional mechanical "opportunities, " but you have those with your own home, car, computer, workplace, etc. Many of the time delays are the result of infrastructure, maintenance, and rail use conflicts. There are occasional personal passenger issues (i.e., medical, safety, etc.) that can cause major delays. Sometimes delays are caused by hostile passengers that require unscheduled stops (sometimes in the middle of nowhere) so local, state, and federal law enforcement can assist Amtrak in adjusting their personal travel schedule. Occasionally someone felt it necessary to attempt to (unsuccessfully) beat a train to a crossing, bringing ALL rail traffic to a grinding halt until the mess can be cleaned up and the tracks repaired. Amtrak cannot control washed out bridges, floods, extreme weather, etc. Getting hostile with the dining car staff because you're behind schedule will NOT make the train move faster. There's a dude up in the engine that has his hand on the throttle lever, and he is in radio contact with a dispatcher who is facilitating all of the rail traffic in the area. It is not his responsibility --- nor does he have time --- to inform you of why he is doing what he is doing. 3) Almost all Amtrak employees are human beings. They react to you the way most humans react to you. If you act like you think you are royalty, they may not accommodate your self-elevated status quickly enough to satisfy you. If you act like you perceive them as your personal lowly servants, they may not immediately assume that lowly state in an appropriately humble way to satisfy you. Do not expect them to genuflect in your presence, or kiss any part of your anatomy in adoration, awe, or reverence. 4) Remember that you are sharing space on a public conveyance with others, many of whom think that THEY are God's gift to the human race. The Amtrak employees (as well as your fellow passengers) are reacting to them (and you) in predictable ways. You may not be fully aware of all of the situations your Amtrak employees are dealing with at any given point in time. Let them do their job without creating yet another issue for them to deal with. 5) Not all Amtrak staff members are fully aware of all of the factors influencing your progression down the tracks at any given point in time. It is not their responsibility to interrupt their duties to become fully aware of why your train is traveling at the speed it is (or is stopped "in the middle of nowhere") just to satisfy your curiosity. Relax. Chances are you and the train will probably arrive at about the same time. 6) Use the seat(s) reserved for you --- and ONLY the seat(s) reserved for you --- unless you make specific adjustments with the Conductor. Be considerate of your fellow travelers and not slop your junk (and audio) over into adjacent seats and public spaces. Just because that seat next to you is empty right now, there is no guarantee that it will remain unoccupied past the next station. The Conductor may or may not know if that seat is sold further down the line. 7) It is NOT the responsibility of any Amtrak employee to make sure you detrain at the proper location. Amtrak can only do so much to protect you from your own stupidity, inattention, inadequate planning, and ignorance. 8) Be tolerant of your fellow passengers as well as the Amtrak staff. You do NOT know what internal and external issues and distractions have been impacting their lives for the past 24 hours. 9) If you are the 25th person to tell an Amtrak employee about what you perceive as a problem --- especially if it is something obvious and/or something he/she is powerless to correct --- you may not get the passionately sensitive, genuinely sympathetic response you think you deserve. 10) Remember that Amtrak's sole purpose for existence is to get you from point "A" to point "B" as quickly and safely as possible. The emphasis is on "safely." They probably did not know all of the parameters and circumstances of your specific trip when they published the schedule. Deal with it. Stuff happens. Train delays probably will not cause the world to come to an end. When you perceive an earth-shattering disruption in your travel plans, ask yourself, "Will any of this really matter 5 years from now?"

on my return to westerly, ri, a conductor assured me he would help me with my bag and getting off the exit. he never showed so i had someone help me with my bag and i could not find the exit even though the sign above me said exit. i was told it would be 3 cars down. at that point, a conductor asked if there was a problem and he immediately opened the emergency exit. i dont believe i was told the exit was 3 cars down and also the person announcing the stops needs to increase his voice, could hardly hear him. this was not a very good experience for me

gsette7j@yahoo.com

My friends are taking the Amtrak from San Diego to Burbank.

First, we board the train and sit at a table on the second floor of the train. All is well until we get hungry...

There is a cafe almost directly below us, and our table is right next to the stairs. We walk down the stairs and are instantly greeted by about a dozen 25-40 year old men, drinks in their hands, and a slurred array of lines such as "LADIESSS" "Heyy, baby" and "You know, 16 is the legal drinking age in Europe...!"

By avoiding eye contact, we managed to escape to our seats.

A bit later, some of the drunk guys come up from the cafe and stand at the top of the stairs, right next to our seats. They start playing (bad) music, and one sets his beer on our table. We wait until they have finished their song and I ask them, semi-polite and semi-firm, to please turn down the music. They apoligize sarcastically, laughing like...drunks. We remind them that they aren't the only ones on the train, and they finally turn off the music.

Suddenly, we hear yelling and crashes by the stairs, where, according to later accounts, one man accidentally stepped on another's Cubs hat, resulting in a 6 on 2 fist fight. We hear punches being thrown, a girl screaming, more cussing than Superbad, and an Amtrak worker being put on hold by the police.

This goes on for a good 10-15 minutes. A call is then sent throughout the train for anyone on the train with medical training, and we are delayed an hour.

Meanwhile, another intoxicated man has invited himself to sit at our table. He smells.

I don't think the Amtrak can do anything about stupid people, but they can control how much alcohol they sell to customers. These guys were very drunk, very loud, and very rowdy before any violence.

3 August 2008

Amtrak Corporation
____________________
____________________
____________________

Dear Sirs:

My dearest sister, Cheryl Whitmire, decided to give me a surprise treat and purchased a train trip for her to come from Sacramento, CA down to Van Nuys, CA to pick me up and then both of us went on Amtrak to visit my elderly mother and father (my sister paid for the entire Amtrak ticket for both of us). Then, she came all the way back with me just to keep me company from Stockton, CA to Van Nuys, CA; then she went back to Sacramento. The date was April 10th (Thursday) from Sacramento, CA down to Van Nuys, CA Amtrak station in the name of Cheryl Whitmire.

On our return trip from Oakland to Van Nuys CA we got on the Stockton Amtrak, Sunday April 20th at 9:14 A.M. going into Van Nuys with somebody picking us up that evening late. The train broke down just three minutes after we departed Stockton and they kept trying to start up the engine to no avail. We sat on the side tracks for two hours waiting for Amtrak to send another train to pick us up after the breakdown and non-start.

I became extremely upset! My entire day was totally ruined because my sister and I were not able to meet our friends that were waiting at the Van Nuys, CA Amtrak station that night on time as planned.

I know that we have a refund coming because a frequent Amtrak traveler wrote the enclosed letter while we were sitting there wondering what to do with ourselves for two hours. I was told by this gentleman that Amtrak would give me a credit number and send a total refund so that my sister’s expense would be totally refunded to her credit card.

Please let me know as soon as possible when you will be sending the entire amount of refund. Please call me at #[protected] Joanna Fay Polak, or email mjpolak@earthlink.net; or write a letter to Joanna Fay Polak, 3550 Poppy Drive, Calabasas, CA [protected]. I would like to use Amtrak again on September 30th, 2008.

Sincerely,

Joanna Faye Polak
3550 Poppy Drive
Calabasas, CA [protected]

kicked off at 3:00 am 11/14/2024 Never been on Amtrack before didn't know their pet policy. the conductor was very rude and said i needed paperwork for my dog. would not give me a chance to pull up the digital copy i had. then your company lies and said i had to be escorted by the police which is not true. id like my refund

I have been on the train for over 5 hours without a fresh air break. I keep getting up, every time we stop, but our doors never open. I want fresh air. I need to stand up and get circulation in my legs and a cigarette would be nice.

I was traveling to Chicago from Milwaukee I ask Conductor about air it wasn't on he said it didn't work I had to disrobe most of my clothes than 15mins the train sat due some work on tracks no seats because use every sit I would an refund on one way rev C70CE2

Horrible experience. Train 3 hrs late to Albany NY. Was to connect to train in NYC to Delaware. Last train for day. Amtrak would not make any promise of what would be done if stranded in NYC overnight. Could not reach any higher lever personnel to discuss situation on that day or since. Had to spend $150 in Albany hotel to wait for next day.

got off train my bag was cracked from bottom to top this happen in November

case #6241427

trip#[protected]

took a round trip from cincinnati,oh. to San Francisco,ca.

On 11/15/2022i purchased a one way ticket from raton nm to alb nm the and paid for my emotional support and therapeutic pet . Upon departure time the boarding agent refused me and my pet admission even though I explained she was registered through asp on two separate dates the second being 11/17/2022 reservation code CA14DC for Steven Carrillo

Train "95 departing from penn station New York City leaving at 10:35 actually left at 10:59. I am traveling to Baltimore for a doctors appointment at Johns Hopkins so time is of the essence. It's hard to know if Amtrak is reliable enough for us to use regularly for doctors appointments.

Our train arrived late going from New York to South Carolina and it was late coming back into New York. 3 hrs late each way was an inconvenience both ways. How can we be compensated for this ?
soniap2867@aol.com

I detrained at Columbus, Wi after boarding at Have, Mt yesterday 6/17. The trash containers in four restrooms were overflowing the entire trip.