RichardWSnow
Train Attendant
I was on 5(20) the past weekend. We were on time into Denver, so I had about 30 minutes or so to get some exercise walking loops on the platform. From the rear of the train (nearest the station), there were 2 coaches, lounge, diner, 2 sleepers, and transdorm. Of the four cars onto which passengers might board, only one had the correct car number! The coaches were numbered 611 and 610; the sleepers 531 and 632. Being train 5, the 6's should have all been 5's. I encountered 5 separate groups all the way forward near the transdorm looking for car 510 or 511. 3 of them were families with children and lots of baggage. They all looked quite forlorn when I told them they had passed their cars when they got on the platform back at the end of the train.
I know Amtrak has money problems, so many of its problems are nearly insoluble. However this kind of carelessness seems to me to be without any justification. As they say, "you only have one chance to make a first impression", so making people walk about looking for a car number they are never going to find is inexcusable. I assume someone walks the train before it departs. Either they don't have a checklist or it doesn't include ensuring the car numbers are correct. I very much want Amtrak to survive, but inattention to this small detail does not help that cause.
Richard Snow
I know Amtrak has money problems, so many of its problems are nearly insoluble. However this kind of carelessness seems to me to be without any justification. As they say, "you only have one chance to make a first impression", so making people walk about looking for a car number they are never going to find is inexcusable. I assume someone walks the train before it departs. Either they don't have a checklist or it doesn't include ensuring the car numbers are correct. I very much want Amtrak to survive, but inattention to this small detail does not help that cause.
Richard Snow