Amtrak Station is currently undergoing construction, so all of the food courts are closed, but they do have huge vending machines. There's always someone available to speak with at the information desk. I've noticed the few times of traveling by way of amtrak that they don't have anyone to assist the elders to the train with their bags. This is also the 1st time I caught the elevator to platform upon my return, and it's very spacious.
I left about two weeks ago, and the prices were very affordable as they have been in the past, leaving from Philadelphia. Upon leaving, I caught the Vermonter train instead of the Northeast Regional train, and all I can say is I hope I don't ever have to do that again. The ride felt extra long. It was so crowded I had to put my bags in the broom cubby. No one checked the tickets, and it was slightly warm. I felt like I was on the Subway.
The return was a little better in regards to the ride, but I didn't book a round trip ticket because I didn't know how long I'd be. It was extremely hard to get an affordable ticket, which caused me to stay an extra 3 days.
I was confused with that because I left the last time to go to DMV and the tickets were only $15. I came back this time in the 21st of May after searching for tickets since the Thursday prior, and I wanted to leave on Sunday.
I ended up going to New Carrollton to catch the Northeast Regional train, but they were 15 or 20 minutes late. No announcement was made, nor did I receive an email to notify me of the delay like they did before. And the worst part was the train we were riding on didn't show up. Another train came with a different number, and no one from Amtrak told us it was safe to board that train to get to our destination. The display only showed New York. A rider told us to get on that train, and everyone going towards New York just hopped on š
The ride was as pleasant as before with plenty of seating and LEG ROOM. But even with all of that š š¤£ we arrived back in...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreEven if more expensive, not only would I pay several hundred dollars extra for a flight, but I have very little confidence that anyone really gives a care about these reviews. Had to show up an hour late to my event in Philadelphia because my train decided to leave town minutes prior to the time noted on the train status update website. I then arrive at my destination an hour late when I was told I would arrive at the same time when they rescheduled my train (couldn't get me on the next latest one for some reason, ended up being late to the event). Again, I doubt anyone actually cares, but on top of all this, I was incredibly frustrated at not being allowed to go to the customer service center at this station to wait for my train. I understand needing to protect the staff from people who might try to cause harm to them, but did not appreciate being profiled as such. Again, the staffer had no context on my character, I get it, but on top of everything else, being unable to find a place to charge my phone (had a three-pronged charger only) was beyond frustrating. I understand a certain calculus will be undertaken as to whether my feedback is worthy of attention. I understand that, maybe, some of my complaints run against the realities of running a business like this. I ultimately do not find it unjustified to draw attention to inconsistent updates and a supposed policy that won't allow respectful customers the ability to even charge their phone in the literal customer service center. I never thought I'd consider my org justifying a flight when a train would be more convenient. But nothing, and I mean nothing, has gone smoother with this travel than I've experienced on several airlines, even cost-effective airlines. But, like I said, I am unsure if this input will change anything, save to warn future passengers to consider options other...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreTitle: Amtrak Delivers Exceptional Service After Frustrating Greyhound Experience
After an absolutely disastrous journey with Greyhound and their parent company FlixBus, that I am still disputing.
I made the decision to return home from Greensburg Pa. via Amtrak. This proved to be the best choice I could have made!
From the moment I boarded, I was treated with the utmost care and professionalism. Unlike my previous experience with Greyhound, where communication was confusing and the stations were filthy, Amtrak immediately set a different tone. The stations were clean, well-staffed, and organized.
One standout moment was the opportunity to bid for an upgrade to business class, which I gladly accepted.
This gave me additional space and comfort, which made the entire ride feel relaxed and luxurious. The Amtrak staff were incredibly helpful, attentive, and courteous throughout the journey. Every request I made was met with a smile and efficient service.
The contrast between my Amtrak experience and what I went through with Greyhound and FlixBus couldnāt be starker. While Greyhound left me dealing with unsanitary conditions, confusing bus schedules, and a lack of support, Amtrak delivered exceptional service that turned what could have been a stressful trip into a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Amtrak has earned my business for all future travel, and Iām so grateful for the professionalism and care they showed.
To anyone on the fence about bus vs. train travel, I can confidently say that Amtrak is...
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