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Took Acela (12/2), Boston to New York and we were asked to show photo ID. Then took Keystone Service on 1/3 and Acela Regional on 1/5 (New York-Philadelphia and return)and were never asked to show photo ID. Has anyone else found the inconsistency with this? I hope we were the exception rather than the norm for security's sake.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Very inconsistent--
"Post 911" trips--
Offered ID Feb 02 for boarding #30 at CHI, conductor really did not wish to be bothered.
#143 Stamford Nov 02, what's that - stow it pal!
#2252 Phila Nov 02, scrupulously checked at 30th St before allowed to the track level.
tubaallen Member # 2057
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I agree, that's very inconsistent, and I don't think that's what Amtrak intends. However, it may work quite well...it is sort of random that way....catch people off-guard.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Being a foreigner to the US (I'm a Brit), the ONLY time I was wasked for ID was when collecting my rail pass from the station. That's twice since 9/11 and I've been on 10 long distance trains during that time.
Geoff M.
Eric Member # 674
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I get asked for ID when picking up my tickets at the station, but haven't had to show it when boarding the train. I think the focus of "ID-ing" is mostly on the NEC, because it sees the most passengers, and is linked to several major cities.
rmiller Member # 341
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When buying or picking up tickets at the station, I've been asked for a photo idea every time, but never on board. I've had tickets dispensed at a ticket machine which prints on the ticket that photo id is required, but haven't been asked for it. I think it is a moot point anyway. A fake id is is easily obtainable by anyone who wants one.
royaltrain Member # 622
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I can only conclude that "security" on Amtrak is just in name only. When I buy Amtrak tickets here in Canada, I am never asked for ID. As for boarding the trains, I have never once been asked for ID either before boarding or on the trains. Even in New York, a city you would think should be on a security alert, I was not asked for ID either in the Acela Lounge in Penn station or prior to going down to track level. When travelling on a North American Rail pass, the tickets are clearly endorsed "must show the Pass and photo ID." Only once did an Amtrak employee demand to see the pass, but no one has ever asked for ID. I have boarded Amtrak trains in major cities, e.g. New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle as well as small towns such as Barstow, Flagstaff, etc. and no one anywhere in my experience seems to care about "security."
rmiller Member # 341
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quote:Originally posted by royaltrain: I can only conclude that "security" on Amtrak is just in name only. ."
Your point being? What type of "security" should Amtrak have? As I said before, an ID doesn't mean anything. I have seen INS agents board and check for proper documentation from passengers who fit a particular profile, if that makes you feel better.
tubaallen Member # 2057
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I agree. Not only is it easy as sin to get a fake ID, but also, is it going to be ON the train that we need to focus our efforts? No. At least, I don't think so. A train is not like an airplane....you don't crash it into the World Trade Center. But what people need to worry about is someone sabotage the train by messing up the rails.
[This message has been edited by tubaallen (edited 01-14-2003).]
royaltrain Member # 622
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My point regarding "security" is that there is none, so why bother with all this photo ID business?
rmiller Member # 341
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quote:Originally posted by royaltrain: My point regarding "security" is that there is none, so why bother with all this photo ID business?
to which I agree. Tubaallan has a good point as well, although I wonder if a train with 250 passengers on board is a target worthy of sabatoge, but there are some strange folks out there.
tubaallen Member # 2057
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....Right, and I don't know that it would be sabotaged....just think it's likelier than actually having an attack on-board the train.
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