Why are there so many BAD reports about customer service on Amtrak trains, "Conductor's Put People off train?.

Question

Searching the internet, A lot of people have been put off Amtrak trains for false accusations from Amtrak employees. Searching for travel information on Amtrak trains, I see they have a lot of discrimination suits also filed against themselfs.

It appears they do not treat their customers very well.

What precautions could one take in advance to assure good treatment when traveling on Amtrak Trains? Is there a number one could call from a train if one encountered bad customer service?

Answer 1

No, Carmel Corn is right. My parents take the train about 8-10 times a year to come visit me. The customer service is horrible. They always have issues getting the correct tickets, rude service, and mixed answers.

There is no way to prepare for bad service. You just need to realize you might get it. Try flying instead.

Answer 2

I feel in many cases, the ones complaining the most are the problem ie. Someone dislikes the police, why? Because they can't seem to stay out of trouble and continually get arrested for, you guessed it, inappropriate behavior. In school they didn't like their teacher, why? You guessed it, because he or she wouldn't allow them to display inappropriate behavior etc.

I'm sure there are legitimate complaints but I think it's more likely it's the ones that have actually caused problems doing the most belly aching, why? Because they didn't get away with their BS on the train.

Answer 3

I have been traveling by Amtrak for over 10 years. I agree, they attendants on the train are sometimes rude. But, I've also had some very pleasant and helpful attendants as well. I have witnessed a few people being thrown off the train. Usually it has to do with drinking. Adults buying drinks to underage passengers. Drunk passengers becoming unruley. Unfortunately, a few bad apples, spoil it for the rest of us. I fully support Amtrak throwing passengers off the train who are disturbing other passengers. I pay good money for a pleasant trip. If someone spoils it, they should be removed from the train.

Answer 4

"false accusations by Amtrak employees" ?? I guess what you are actually seeing are complaints from folks who CLAIM they were unfairly put off the train: because they were drunk, unruly, etc ??

I have only taken Amtrak a dozen times and have NEVER had a problem with customer service, but HAVE seen rude passengers.

I take Caltrain daily, and it has Amtrak conductors who are TERRIFIC.

I guess it's just whining folks who will sue at the drop of a hat.

Answer 5

People will complain more than say something good.

So, there may be 10 complaints, but probably 100 good things to say, just no one does.

Answer 6

Well, as with all services, it's never uniformly superb and free of criticism/poor customer service.  However, having studied Amtrak for over 10 years I must say that more often than not the carrier provides quite good service.  The link below will send you to their contact page where you can contact them about whatever matter you wish (phone numbers are also included there).

And, as Mark stated, many times Amtrak is quite within their rights to throw off unruly or disorderly passengers (which has even made national headlines a few times this summer and unfortunately was completely misreported).

Also, if you are after a pleasant, enjoyable journey you are far better off to take Amtrak over the airlines (whose service has been horrendous for, particularly, the last few years).

Answer 7

Amtrak is for rich white people.

I would practice being a rich white person if you plan to take Amtrak.