Many passengers leaving the train yesterday at Union Station said they were unaware of the quiet-car feature until they heard a conductor's announcement. Several passengers said they promptly moved to the car. Amtrak said it is now creating fliers that will be placed in trains and stations to alert passengers about the feature. Reservation agents will also be able to inform passengers if their train has a quiet car when they order tickets. Enforcement, so far, has not been tough.
Passengers normally take the lead, reminding fellow passengers that use of cell phones is forbidden.
Otherwise, the conductor steps in. The passenger has the choice of either using a phone booth in the back of the car, moving to another car or just immediately hanging up. This has not been tough to enforce. As Metroliner 107 parked at Union Station yesterday, riders on the quiet car pulled on their coats and pulled out their cell phones. Vermeire started chatting as soon as she stepped onto the platform.