Centralia, WA — Local services in Centralia

I would like to tell you about our experience on Amtrak over this weekend. My daughter is 14 years old, I have been riding the Amtrak for years out of Centralia. It's a tiny station and I generally show up 15 minutes before the train, get on and all is well. Well, 14 year old is excited about traveling to her aunt's in Vancouver. I get her there 15 minutes before the train arrives. We go into the station, no one is at the ticket booth. We ring the bell, no one arrives, 5 minutes later, we look around the corner and there is a lady drinking coffee who was a worker. I hear the train approaching, I go outside, the conductor puts out his step and I ask how I can get a ticket?? He informs me in front of my daughter that I should have been here earlier. He was very rude. I asked why no one is working in the ticket booth, we are trying to get a ticket and have been for the last 10-15 minutes. He says, talk to that guys. I walk over to a guy on a baggage cart and say, I am trying to get a ticket to get my daughter on this train, he tells me to go into the station and he will be right with me. I wait 5 more minutes now it is 1:00 and the train leaves 1:05. I stand there and he came in and said how can I help you, I said I need a ticket for this train. Right then you hear the train leaving 3 minutes early and the guys says sorry! I have never been so upset and my poor daughter is standing there with her chin quivering. Worst customer service. Since then I have searched and searched for a time that you are suppose to be there and no where on there website...

Feb13, 2025, I took Amtrak’s # 503 from Centralia to Portland. I lost my favorite pair of gloves @ the CTL station. The conductor on the train was gracious enough to radio back to CTL & tell them I had lost my gloves. The CTL station manager not only found my gloves but kept them for my return. I was so pleased to be reunited with them. The CTL staff always goes the extra mile to provide outstanding customer care. Promote NOW!! The entire station is very clean and nicely maintained. Thank you CTL & Amtrak for a wonderful adventure. Kindness is never...

Mike is an absolute delight. I appreciate him. He deserves a raise and he is literally a good person. I had interactions with 5 amtrak employees in a 24 hour period, he and the conductor was were the only one who treated me with respect. Thanks Mike!...