Today, (05/18 at 7:00 PM (exact)) while I was about to board my train, my phone fell out of my bag onto the ground of terminal "E". I got to my train seat without realizing this until it was too late. I tried to run back to the terminal, but the train staff informed me that they would leave me in DC if I did not get back on the train at that moment. While being in this frantic and emotional state, I made the decision to get on the train without my phone. Folks on the train took notice of what was going on and about 5 passengers informed me that they had seen my phone on the ground of the terminal where we were in que to board the train. All of them said they had seen it and left in the ground but alerted Union Station staff that there was a lost phone on the ground. One passenger reported to me that she saw the phone, picked it up, and put it off to the side of the que line and alerted staff where she had placed it-- NONE of the staff members collected my lost item after it being reported to them MULTIPLE times by different passengers. One passenger told me that it did not seem like the staff member cared in the slightest after being told of the lost item.
On the train, the conductor and I called the Union Station's lost and found office. While in tears, I talked to the staff member who works at lost and found. He said that the staff would go check to see if they could find the phone. At the point, the phone had been missing for 10-20 minutes. After many calls back and forth with lost and found at Union Station, it was clear they could not find the phone (or at least they told me they didn't find it).
At this point, it is clear that my phone was stolen within the time frame from falling out of my bag to when we got ahold of lost and found (about a 10-20 minute window). I am extremely frustrated that (1) many staff members at Union Station were told about the item and did not collect it when informed, (2) some staff acted like this situation was a bother or not important in the slightest, and (3) that passengers on the train did not directly hand the item to a staff member or tried to at least pick up the phone and bring it onto the train we were all boarding.
Shoutout to all the passengers on the train who were kind and offered me words of support. Additionally, shoutout to the main conductor on Amtrak who tried to help me as best as he could. This has been a very stressful and upsetting experience.
If you find a black iPhone 12 Pro in Union Station in DC with a picture of a man and a cat as the phone background photo, please let me know. (Date: 05-18-2025, 7:10 PM (time...
Read moreI am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a deeply upsetting and unprofessional experience I had at the Hertz, Uber rental car kiosk located in Union Station, Washington, DC. Upon arrival, I was greeted with rudeness and hostility by the woman working the kiosk. She immediately stated, “You need a reservation for me to help you,” and repeated it multiple times in an increasingly impatient tone. I attempted to explain that I was in the process of making a reservation, but instead of offering any assistance, she abruptly closed the service window — while my hand was still on it — and shouted, “Let me know when you’re ready.” To make matters worse, she had a thick accent that made it difficult for me to understand her, and when I politely asked her to repeat herself, she became visibly frustrated, raised her voice at me multiple times, and continued yelling instead of calmly assisting me. Her tone and behavior were aggressive and dismissive throughout the entire interaction. I was also struggling with the Uber app and asked for basic guidance, which she refused to provide. After nearly 30 minutes of trying to navigate the process, she then informed me that I could not use my Illinois driver’s license and would need a hard copy from the current state — something completely unreasonable considering I am not a resident of DC. This experience was humiliating, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable. No customer should ever be treated in such a demeaning way. I would like to know: • Who do I need to contact to escalate this matter formally? • Is this level of service and disrespect representative of Hertz and Uber’s values? • What steps will be taken to ensure this behavior is addressed? I am happy to provide further details if necessary and look forward to a prompt response...
Read moreTitle: Stepping Back in Time: Union Station as Grand as Ever
Review:
During my recent visit to Union Station, I was captivated by its unique blend of functionality and architectural beauty. The station, a masterpiece by the renowned Daniel Burnham, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts style. Its symmetrical arrangements and classical detailing are a sight to behold, while the high ceilings and massive windows add a touch of historical elegance. This architectural marvel is a transportation hub and a space that transports you back in time.
Union Station offers a breathtaking interior experience. The main hall's gold leaf detailing and marble floors exude a sense of luxury that harks back to a bygone era. The waiting areas are comfortable and spacious, providing a pleasant pause for travelers. Shops line the concourses, offering everything from last-minute travel essentials to unique local souvenirs. At the same time, various dining options cater to every taste, from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
During my visit, I utilized the Metro's Red Line and appreciated how smoothly I could connect to various parts of Washington, D.C. The station's design facilitates an easy and efficient flow of passengers, reinforcing its status as a top-tier transportation hub in the nation.
I recommend visiting Union Station for anyone passing through D.C. to admire its architectural beauty and experience its superb functionality as a major transit center. Whether shopping, eating or simply waiting for your next train, Union Station is a remarkable place that combines history, beauty, and...
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