i am usally hesitant to recommend amtrak to my freinds because i have done it in the past and people come back swearing at me and saying never again. but i just had a buddy and his wife took the c.z. from chi to emeryville +and they loved it. it was on time westbound. he said it was about 4 hrs late eastbound. but he is already planing his next trip to the grand canyon via the chief. amtrk needs more stories like this especially now.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Yea, Sometimes Amtrak gets it right! All of my trips have been good, but it is best for first-timers not to have inflated expectations, which they often do.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
During my coast-to-coast Amtrak rail-a-thon, I fortunately had the chance to travel on ten different trains in a row.
I honestly expected to encounter at least one "Train from Hell," if not two or three. But apart from few minor annoyances (including a certain sleeping car attendant who pulled a truly epic two-day disappearing act), everything went so smoothly it was almost unnatural.
As other travelers in this forum can attest, however, it's the luck of the draw. Sometimes your train will arrive fifteen minutes early with every toilet functioning. Other times, you'll get yanked out of your sleeper at 3 a.m. for a surprise six-hour bus ride to Barstow.
The trick is to view everything that happens, good and bad, as part of the adventure.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 10-02-2002).]
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip. I agree, "go with the flow". I ride along for the adventure, which unfortunately includes periodic delays etc.
I too have been hesitant to recommend the train, at least to folks who would not handle the delays well. It is amusing (and sad) to hear folks who have never traveled say things like 'the train gets in at 8:26' and actually believe that will be their arrival time...
It is strange that people who have been delayed at airports rarely say "Never Again" to flying, whereas Amtrak only gets one chance. Maybe it's the long duration of a rail journey (a bad air trip is over in a few hours usually)
MP
Posted by Amtrak288 (Member # 1967) on :
I've learned over my last 6 years of travel on Amtrak that all trips, regardless of length are an adventure. My shortest trip was 35 miles, it's still an adventure! Always remember to Plan Ahead, for possible delays that may occur. I always keep in mind that we are riding on someone else's rails and they are calling the shots. I can't say I've had a "bad" trip, but there are always delays to be found for whatever reason so you just have to be prepared for them. I'm taking my 21st trip on Amtrak in a couple weeks, my 4th this year!!!
Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :
I just read that as of Nov. 1, 2002 there will be no more "Satisfaction Guarantee" program- so I hope all your trips are enjoyable! Have fun Amtrak 288!
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 10-04-2002).]
Posted by efin98 (Member # 1943) on :
Why are they ending the program? I think that the 435 men in Congress may not allow that program to end with out some sort of compensation program for customers.
Posted by trainman1 (Member # 1392) on :
They're only ending the official Satisfaction Guaranteed program, which, because of the unconditional "no questions asked" policy, was being overused and abused, many felt.
Amtrak will still give compensation to passengers if they feel there's a good reason to do so.
Posted by efin98 (Member # 1943) on :
Ok. Sounds like a better thing to do. Maybe if they validify the requests before issuing any refunds they will actually improve in one way or another.
Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :
Thanks for clearing that up, Trainman1 !
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
Customer Satisfaction? On 771 today (San Diego-Santa Barbara), there was no Business Class car. Superliner coach/baggage 31046 was substitued in its place. One passenger was angry because there was no outlet for his laptop computer. But since he waited almost until they got to LA before he complained, the train crew were not inclined to refund the business class premium.
All of my trips have been good, but it is best for first-timers not to have inflated expectations, which they often do.