I understand Amtrak's policy for 13-15 yr old minors. I think it's a good one.
However, why was she issued a ticket before checking her age. I can see how, at times, a parent might not be familiar with Amtrak's policy for 13-15 yr. old minors. Couldn't a different approach have been taken? Some sort of on board escort to see her to Chicago? Just dumping her in Battle Creek doesn't seem like the best solution.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Lapeer MI is not staffed, and the description notes no minor travel.
How this apparently responsible young girl, with apparently responsible parents, was ever allowed to board escapes me. I also must wonder if the Arrow system could somehow flag the purchase of a ticket for a minor without an accompanying adult purchase.
But, as Richard notes, the policy is wise. Too many places a kid "up to no good" could go astray. I know of one "Mommy/Daddy handoff" where the kid was supposed to travel Chicago to Little Rock, but decided St.Louis could be more fun. I think he "surfaced" when he was out of $$$.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
The on-line reservation system currently won't accept a booking for a 13-15 year old without an accompanying adult. I attempted a dummy booking and got a red letter message saying to call the 1-800 number.
The Amtrak website states that:
quote: Children traveling alone are not entitled to a children's discount; full adult fares are charged and no additional discounts are permitted.
Perhaps the parents thought that buying a full fare ticket allowed the child to travel alone.
I remember riding trains alone and with friends when I was between 10 and 13 years old. That was a long time ago, however.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
I think, Vincent, in the old days (1950's?) it was not uncommon to see a minor travelling alone on a passenger train. The parents might tip an attendant or conductor to sort of "look after" the minor.
But, that was back in the 50's. A little different today, to say the least.
posted
I only watched half that flick; so sport to see Dad and Son pull up to CUS, yet depart from Dearborn.
Obviously the boarding scene was elsewhere as Dearborn had a shed.
Funny how the Pleasure Dome ended up on the Chief. It was assigned to the Super.
Why the Chief to Lamy? it passed through there in the dead of night. Should have taken the Super, or if the movie moguls wanted it to themselves without some pesky kid, the Grand Canyon.
Oh but wait, he hops off the Super at Lamy.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
These are different times. Think I have commented previously my first solo trip was at age 12 that was ovenight and required a change of cars - although same train.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Yes, these are different times. My trips were in the late 1960s and never extended beyond Portland.
I don't think my under-16 grandkids would be comfortable taking a train by themselves--they've always had mom or grandpa ready to take them wherever they need to go.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
I have to side with Amtrak in this case. The clip does mention the dog was barking, and if so no doubt disturbing other passengers. Maybe Juanita's conduct was a problem but who knows. I don't buy the idea that Juanita was a victim of racial discrimination. If so, Amtrak would be in deep trouble.
I have to agree with Margaret, in an earlier post, that Amtrak's "pets aboard are welcome" policy is a bad one (where is Margaret, these days?). This sort of thing no doubt will occur again.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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