Penn Station Redcaps

Redcaps at most of the Amtrak stations that I have used have motorized carts to take passengers with walking problems to and from the train. However, last year I passed through Boston South Station and had to walk to the train following the redcap, who was pushing a cart. In a few weeks, I will be passing through NYC and I'd like to know whether the redcaps there have motorized carts.

No they do not.

NYP have narrow platforms and either elevators or escalators to reach track level. Thus there is no way they could use carts.

Thanks. I can walk, but a combination of COPD, back problems and arthritis make it a bit uncomfortable.

If you request it, they can bring you downstairs in a wheelchair.

Yup. After years of transfers and departures in the crowded, claustrophobic Penn station, I ventured west and was amazed at the wide platforms in Chicago Union Station. I felt like a king riding on the luggage cart. I also have mobility problems. At least at NYP the distances are shorter from track to waiting room. The Redcaps are very good and sometimes are like taxi drivers as they push and shove to clear a path thru crowds. They will at least help you get priority with or without a wheelchair

Most of the east stations are not made to accommodate electric carts like found in Chicago, LA, etc.the west has everything on one level or has ramps for the carts, something that can not happen with NYP, or 30th Street.

Only WAS has carts on the NEC.

That makes sense, the Amtrak level is "downstairs" and you can walk or ride straight out to the platforms. I just booked a trip on the CL yesterday, I'll be hoofing it from the lounge in a few months.

Being a Red Cap at Penn Station, NY takes a lot of skill and experience. As mentioned, you have to contend with large crowds, fast moving commuter's, narrow platform's and escalator's, and not knowing track number's on thru trains until just minutes before arrival. A real challenging position. Unlike Red Caps at single level stations, they can not use electric carts, but rather old-fashioned narrow hand trucks to carry baggage.

It is amazing to me, just how much luggage they can stack on one of those, and then take up or down an escalator to the platform....

railiner said:

Unlike Red Caps at single level stations, they can not use electric carts, but rather old-fashioned narrow hand trucks to carry baggage.

It is amazing to me, just how much luggage they can stack on one of those, and then take up or down an escalator to the platform....

Click to expand...

^This.

When using a Red Cap at NYP this last march to get early boarding on the Acela to Boston, I was amazed at how much luggage he got on that tiny cart. I actually insisted I carry my bag, as he had six full-size suitcases and an assortment of smaller bags already on the cart. He expertly swooped in and grabbed my suitcase from me while exiting the ML and stacked on the heap... And then proceeded to navigate the whole mountain down an escalator without missing a step.

He got a large tip.

It is people like that I enjoy tipping. Wish there were more rather than fewer.

NYP is particularly challenging because so many of the escalators (like many of the platforms) are very narrow. Also you have the elevator to the mezzanine, and then another elevator to the platform if you are going the elevator route.

I'll be in NYP next month for the first time. Other than for 1st Class Acela, is it true are there no seats?

Not true, there is a very large waiting area for ticketed passengers. It is cordoned off to allow access for ticketed passengers only (you show your ticket at the entrance desk) to provide for better security, it can be crowded at times, but it is pretty large.

The entrance to the Amtrak waiting area (many seats) is next to Gate 7-E. There is also a handicap/disability waiting area on the other end of the concourse - in the Acela Business Class waiting area. I've only been there when I've used a Red Cap between trains, but I assume you could get in there when starting at NYP.