Have a question for you veterans. I have been on two LD train trips and both times have seen drunks on board. Does this happen often? And why do they keep serving beer and liquor on board, besides making money at it. Has anyone seen any real problems? Both times I have had sleepers and have just gone back to them late at night. But I am hesitate to ever take my family. Would appreciate your thoughts.
Posted by amtrakwine (Member # 4265) on :
You are allowed to bring your own private stock if you are traveling sleeper. If you are in coach the "rules" state no private stock. But depending on the conducter alot of them will overlook private stock in coach if you behave, example the Eagle is pretty leaniant
Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
Amtrak rookie,
I have seen a few who have, perhaps, had a drink or two too many. However after many, many LD trips I can honestly say (with one exception) I could not label them drunk. I have heard a tale or two about a passenger who got a little out of line after a few drinks and would not heed the request of the Conductor to Sit down and Quiet down. They -- it appears -- got to tour an enroute town they had not planned to visit. But I would certainly say that it does not happen all the time or even often. I suspect you just were unlucky in these two instances. (Also probably in the lounge car quite late in the evening.)
Dee
Posted by Amtrak Rookie (Member # 4251) on :
Thanks for the info. Well, just sitting up in the lounge car talking and watching a movie. Couple people stumbling through. I do believe the conductor finally made them get off. Thanks again.
Posted by 1702 (Member # 4508) on :
The rules are quite specific in that only sleeping car passengers are allowed to bring their own alcohol & then it must be consumed only in their room, not in the lounge or dining car.
The lounge car attendant & the dining car lead attendant both have the absolute right to "cut off" the sale of alcohol to passengers who appear impaired. Depending on circumstances, the passenger may be "cut off" temporarily, say until the next day, or may be refused alcohol for the balance of their trip.
If the conductor has to be called to handle the situation, generally the passenger is given a chance to return to their coach or sleeper & "sleep it off". If removal from the train is called for, the engineer will radio the dispatcher to arrange for law enforcement to meet the train & escort the passenger off.
That said, the only consistency in how intoxicated passengers are handled is, unfortunately, inconsistency. As mentioned by amtrakwine, some conductors are much more lenient than others, & the same holds true for lounge car attendants.
Posted by 4020North (Member # 4081) on :
quote:Originally posted by Amtrak Rookie: And why do they keep serving beer and liquor on board, besides making money at it.
That's probably the main reason. I guess some passengers have to have their liquor, or the experience wouldn't be the same. I get along fine without it. Thankfully, on a train, the drinking is confined to one or two cars and so people are able to avoid it.