Woodcut60
Lead Service Attendant
I’ve just been on a beautiful train trip again, this time crossing the border twice on Amtrak’s Maple Leaf and Adirondack. I was surprised that I had to pay six dollars to enter the U.S. again on the Adirondack. When I told the CBP officer at the border in Rouses Point, NY, that when last year I crossed the border from Vancouver, BC, to Portland, OR, on Amtrak Cascades the entry into the U.S. was free, he just shrugged that of by saying ”You were given a freebee, the fee is six dollars.” I find this a bit strange and not very consistent. Anyone who has more experience, or an explanation?
And another observation: I also rode a Corridor train from Toronto to Montréal and VIA Rail staff is always very meticulous about safety. They gave instructions to an elderly couple that was sitting by the Emergency Exit window, and another staff member asked me to be responsible for the car door in case of an emergency. He showed me how to operate the door. Amtrak never does this. I know that this is the law in Canada, but they are always so very conscious about safety in America. Apparently not here. Any thoughts?
And another observation: I also rode a Corridor train from Toronto to Montréal and VIA Rail staff is always very meticulous about safety. They gave instructions to an elderly couple that was sitting by the Emergency Exit window, and another staff member asked me to be responsible for the car door in case of an emergency. He showed me how to operate the door. Amtrak never does this. I know that this is the law in Canada, but they are always so very conscious about safety in America. Apparently not here. Any thoughts?