Recent content by Windy City LSA

My apologies if this link has been posted already. I took a quick look around, and didn't see it. My Mom sent me a more comprehensive list of towns nationwide that are getting money for various projects. I saw Amtrak listed. Here is a link to just the Amtrak projects...

I was a LSA for less than a year. It's more difficult than you can probably imagine. I don't mean to be negative or discouraging...just realistic. I was enamored with the thought of a job on a train. It wasn't so enjoyable. I welcome any job seekers with questions to message me privately...

Ohhhhhh....I spent my first 24 years in a small town in that very stretch not far from Joliet. :o It's not so bad away from the tracks. I love my hometown...although it's grown quite a bit since I left. I do agree with the Texas Eagle. That was my first thought when I saw the subject...

Can't see the link. :) I don't think it will necessarily specify that you'll be on the Extra Board. Trust OBS if he says there are many high senority folks out of LAX. I say go through the hiring process and see if you get through it. You'll find out early on if the new hires will be...

I think the earlier suggestion of going on a train trip and observing is a great idea...assuming you're not already familar with the LSA position. The first hurdle is getting the job. It's not easy. Unless they've changed things in the last couple of years...you send a resume/apply when you...

Oh...and I think I did once get taken for the "no receipt/free meal" deal. One of the few times I didn't set the receipt in front of the passenger at the end of the meal. :lol:

I am not at all surprised that some LSA's don't help with waiting tables or bussing. I would usually offer to help clear tables, but the SA's always declined my offer of help. I am so glad I got out when SDS was starting for this reason... among others. Being an unseasoned LSA, I would have...

I will always be mystified by people who find ways to justify not tipping. Some of the reasons can be quite creative, too! Some will say that because they're spending so much already, that they shouldn't shell out a few more bucks for gratuities...as if the OBS employee set the ticket prices...

Asuming you might be a female traveling alone and be concerned about having a male attendant, it's really a non-issue. You have nothing to be worried about. As for "tricks" for tips, I don't believe there are any. Generally speaking if they do their job properly and pleasantly, they should...

Getting your car broken into stinks. After I had an expensive car stereo stolen when I first moved to the Big City, I vowed to: never have a nice car, leave it unlocked with nothing inside, and always just leave the factory car stereo in. I haven't had any problems since. Always remember...

The Onion is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing.

That's a good point. My best guess is the old saying...they don't make 'em like they used to. Pre-Amtrak is a long time ago, now. Speaking for myself (I'm 37) I don't think people of my generation and younger...and maybe even a bit older than I...have the same work ethic that say, my...

Oh my goodness. I think I missed that story. While a mere attendant can not directly remove a passenger from the train, it sounds as if a conductor should have given this attendant the boot!! Seriously. A disturbance is a disturbance regardless of who is creating it.

Yes. But I think the majority of Amtrak customers with any shred of common sense know that all you need to do is simply behave yourself in order to stay on the train. You know...don't get over intoxicated, don't smoke, don't assault fellow passengers or crew, don't steal, etc.. I don't think...

Good questions. Allow me to mention something I failed to in earlier responses. The original story concerned Amtrak station employees. I have been more so referencing OBS employees. Apples to oranges...with exception of required customer service skills. I can imagine working in the station...