From: sam@terapin.com (Sam Lewit)
Newsgroups: rec.railroad
Subject: Amtrak improvements
Date: 25 Jul 92 23:50:24 PST
Organization: BBS

I've ridden many long distance Amtrak trains, and while I always have a great
time, I end up writing Amtrak a letter with my suggestions on ways to improve
service. I always get a "thank you, Amtrak is better than ever" response, but I
wonder if it is really being heard. Here are some of my suggestions:

1) One thing that bothered me a LOT was the train crews use of the *public* PA
system as their radio system. "Jim, pick up the I.C.". "Joe check out the
bathroom in car 6". Do we have to be bothered with this so often? Ever try and
doze off, and get waken by one of these messages?

2) Along the same lines, the conductor and other crew which use a radio. Does
it have to be blaring? Granted most train buffs WANT to hear what's going on,
but those detector messages do little for me. Again, makes it hard to nap (at
least for me). Wouldn't simple earphones solve this in a snap?

3) Recycling. They may very well do this already, but the amount of aluminum
that gets mixed in with the trash is incredible.

4) Delays. I strongly believe that certain inevitable facts should be listed in
timetables both in the printed kind, and those listed inside train stations. I
think this would alleviate a HUGE number of complaints which they must receive
about delays.

For example, I think mention should be made on the westbound Zephyr say from
Denver and west that these trains are often delayed and it is advised to call
to get the current delay. In fact they should plainly come out and say it (in
bold letters I believe) in the "FACTS" sections of schedules. If it were my job
to do, I would make mention of this everywhere possible including a big sign
next to the schedule board. If they wanted to go one step further, they could
print up little info brochures explaining why trains are often delayed.

I firmly believe that so may Amtrak passengers get so frustrated about the
almost guaranteed delays simply because they just don't realize. If you took a
flight from New York to Los Angeles and it was 4 hours late, you'd be upset. If
the airlines informed you somehow that delays along this route are frequent,
and went into the reason why, I think most people would be upset but not "I'll
never do this again" upset.

5) This is minor, but the superlounges with the TV's. They run I believe 1
movie at night. Why not run movies from dusk to midnight? There's nothing to
see at night out those windows, and I've found this car to empty out at night.
Make use of those tubes! Perhaps just do this on one out of the two tubes so
people who want to yap can use the other side of the lounges. Doesn't have to
be all feature-length videos. Could be travel or National Geographic videos or
just about anything.

6) I love kids, but the under 1yr variety can really be a nuisance when they're
screaming their lungs out. On superliner equipment, I suggest they designate
one of the LOWER coach sections for babies. It'd be better for the entire
family as the kids would all be with each other to play with, etc.

7) No train should run without clean windows. On long distance trains, a run
through the wash once or twice enroute would be ideal.

8) Most crew members are nice and helpful, but I have also run into quite a few
rude ones as well. Especially in the lower lounge (I can't remember one that
wasn't irritated... must be a tough job). With so many people out of work, why
not replace these employees? I know I'd quit my job in a second to work on the
railroad! I suggest employing a few undercover Amtrak supervisors whose job it
is to pretty much ride the rails and "supervise" employees and "write-up"
employees not performing preoperly. Maybe they have this already.

Not all I've sent were complaints or suggestions.

1) I've always found the food in the dining cars to be quite good. In fact I
don't eat red meat, but can't resist their hamburgers. They're great! People
I've talked to had mixed opinions. I've heard some say the food is bad, but
most seem to like it. I just wish they'd use china instead of plastic. As for
price, yes the food is not cheap, but I'd be willing to bet they break even at
best in the dining car. Not only do they have to hire the cooks and
waitpersons, but the car itself must pay its way. What do people expect? Dinner
for $4?

2) The pamphlets they have showing the route being traveled and history along
the way is a nice touch.

3) I applaude Amtrak still allowing smoking in the lower lounge. I am an
ex-smoker myself, but there is LOTS of room on trains, and there should be a
small segment for smokers. They've already been kicked off of buses and planes.
I know some people have complained about having to breath smoke while in the
lounge getting snacks. Again, maybe moving the smoking section to the lower
coach seats might be work. Nobody needs to go down there.

Sam Lewit                 | sam@terapin.com
2550 Shattuck #73         | "We shouldn't be blindly opposed to all progress.
Berkeley, Ca. 94704       | But we should be opposed to blind progress"
Internet: sam@terapin.com | 510-486-1422 24HR BBS Newsfeeds Free