I'm planning a trip in April - Newport News to Minneapolis, and back, of course.
A few months ago I had relatives going from Newport News to Washington. They were stuck on the tracks, not moving, for about 6 hours.
Now - if this happens on Greyhound, Greyhound, where people miss a connection, Greyhound gets another bus and sends people on. On Amtrak, of course, they don't have that option.
So if I'm trying to get from Newport News to Minneapolis, and I miss my connection in Washington, will Amtrak put me up in a hotel at their expense, or will I have to pay for it? I'm travelling on limited funds and that would be unacceptable.
------------------ "The man who is about to cross a stream should not revile the crocodile's mother." --Charlie Chan
[This message has been edited by OrientExpress (edited 01-24-2003).]
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Yes, as long as the train delayed was an Amtrak. I'm not sure what happens if it's another company's trains though.
You may also be offered a ride on a Greyhound. Last year I was on a 7-hour late California Zephyr and missed the southbound City of New Orleans. They offered either a Greyhound through the night (no thanks!) or leave on the following day's train with hotel provided by Amtrak (their choice of hotel) and $35 for taxis and meals.
Geoff M.
Posted by OrientExpress (Member # 2249) on :
>>>They offered either a Greyhound through the night (no thanks!) or leave on the following day's train with hotel provided by Amtrak (their choice of hotel) and $35 for taxis and meals.
Great, that's what I wanted to hear! That's the solution that seemed obvious to me but I didnt want to assume that Amtrak would do the obvious!
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
I should add that Amtrak will only provide alternate transportation or a motel room if the connection you missed was a "guaranteed connection." Some connections are not guaranteed. Check with Amtrak to be sure.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
At one point a "guaranteed connection" needed at least 2 hours between arrival and departure; I don't know if that is still the case.
Posted by CHATTER (Member # 1185) on :
When a Union Pacific derailment caused the annulment of our Sunset Limited this summer, the customer service supervisor offered to refund our entire deluxe sleeper fare. We ended up taking the Silver Meteor, Capitol Limited and Southwest Chief to Los Angeles for no additional charge, though we arrived two days later in LA.
Posted by tubaallen (Member # 2057) on :
quote:Originally posted by MPALMER: At one point a "guaranteed connection" needed at least 2 hours between arrival and departure; I don't know if that is still the case.