There have been several posts here lately about Amtrak's poor quality of service. I would like to take the discussion one step further.
Several months ago, I applied to be on Amtrak's customer advisory committee. It was a rather long application process, not just a simple form. Apparently, I was not selected.
Amtrak has not responded to my application materials in any way. I think it is very unprofessional to just ignore these applications. Any reputable business would have at least sent me a letter thanking me for applying and letting me know that I was not selected.
This is just one more of the many examples that I see why Amtrak is not a business that deserves respect.
[This message has been edited by Konstantin (edited 09-05-2001).]
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
I agree Amtrak should have acknowledged your interest. Maybe it was the cash crunch has affected the administrative offices that should have responded to you?
Incidentally I saw mention of the advisory positions in their on board magazine, but I did not apply. I don't ride that often, and have only gone overnight in the pre-Amtrak days.
Posted by CK (Member # 589) on :
I understand your frustration. I have experienced a disproportional amount of rude employees from train personnel to staff working in the Metropolitan lounge. I understand that working conditions can sometimes be difficult, but it really isn't that hard to simply treat customers in a nice manner and with proper respect. All too often Amtrak fails at this. I have met many professional, and kind employees. It's unfortunate that the reputation of these good, hard working people is often overshadowed by the negative overall impression so many of us have of Amtrak employees.
Posted by streets of paris (Member # 521) on :
i also applied to be a member of the customer advisory council. i did receive a call-back in late august, but the person said that decisions were not going to be made until late september. amtrak's fiscal year begins october 1st, and that is also the beginning date for new advisory positions. i encourage you to send a fax asking for an update because the person i spoke to was quite personable and courteous. good luck!
Posted by Steve Dunham (Member # 924) on :
The Va. Assn. of Railway Patrons has repeatedly tried to get hold of a responsible person at Amtrak with whom to discuss the lack of passenger information at Fredericksburg, VA--no delay information, nor anything about which track a train will be on (it could be either one, and if passengers are on the wrong platform, they have to go downstairs, underneath, then upstairs). Amtrak has not answered our letters or returned our phone calls. We are ready to go up to their offices and sit there till somebody talks to us.
------------------ Steve Dunham Literalman@aol.com http://www.stevedunham.50megs.com/
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
I must take back what I said above. I have just received a very professional letter from Amtrak explaining that they have not chosen the people for the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee, and that they will be choosing people soon.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr