Tampa Union Station — Local services in Tampa

I’m not someone to leave reviews often, but I had a few things I wanted to say. The historic station is beautiful, although rather warm inside. The gentlemen at the ticketing/baggage check counter were efficient and friendly. My issue came with the boarding process. You cannot hear what is being said over the announcement speaker. I’m not hearing-impaired, but I do suffer from dysautonomia. While I’m only 40 and appear healthy, standing in an upright position, especially in the heat causes a severe increase in my heart rate (150 bpm), a drop in blood pressure and pre-syncope symptoms caused by a lack of oxygen flow to my brain (approaching a faint). I missed the call for passengers needing mobility assistance because I could not hear it. When I ventured outside, a large line had already formed. I overheard a staff member stating the line was for passengers needing mobility assistance. I also heard the staff member asking a customer what KIND of disability she had, which is actually against ADA compliance. Two staff members took turns taking 4-6 disabled people at a time down the enormously long sidewalk to the boarding area for the train by golf cart. Of course, being I do not “appear” to have a disability, I endured glares and people even pushed me out of the way and cut me in line, meanwhile, I’m dealing with an extremely dangerous heart rate and trying to stay conscious. Once I finally managed to get on a golf cart, I sat down in the heat and humidity to wait for the train to arrive. We then had to wait for several passengers to disembark from ONE door of the train. Remember all of the disabled people who were carted to the train and who had been sitting out in the heat and humidity the longest? Were they allowed to board the train first? Nope. Instead, Amtrak only allowed people traveling in groups of 2 or more to board. A line formed. No further announcement was made as I was waiting for a “single passenger” announcement…it didn’t come and the line kept growing. Again, everyone was boarding through the ONE open door! I strongly suggest that Amtrak find a way to accommodate persons with disabilities by allowing us to self-identify if we choose, so we can easily receive required assistance in the boarding process. The train ride itself was uneventful. The seats were fairly comfortable, WiFi was decent for scrolling on Facebook, temperature was pleasing and it’s nice to have an electrical outlet next to the seat to plug in a phone charger (might not be great for families traveling with young...

When I arrived to the station, the ticket was double what it claimed online. $96 vs. $44. On top of that, the train was late- first I was told it would arrive at 1:20 (originally scheduled to leave 12:37pm)....it EVENTUALLY arrived at 1:50pm. Then, another train had an accident and caused another "1-3 hour delay" per the train attendant. The train was supposed to arrive at 5:58pm....we didnt arrive to Miami until almost 8:45!!! Almost THREE HOURS LATE! When I asked the attendant who I could talk to, he blurted out the 800 number by heart (clearly this train gets a lot of complaints). And he said "you should yell as much as you want"...clearly sarcasm because when I did call- speaking calmly about the situation- I was told there was absolute 100% nothing they can do to amend the three hour hold up, because when I bought the ticket the tenent had told me the train was already running late (by 30 min). Now I don't know about you- I'm ok with a 30 min hold up- what I'm not ok with is getting in 3 hours late. For the time it took Amtrak I could have drive to Miami and back again. NOT OK. Amtrak Customer...

Free Wifi, clean bathrooms, friendly and help service. Limited seating but short waiting times. Not sure why people complain. If your train is due to leave at 4:30 you don't get there 15 before time. Always arrive at least an hour ahead no matter where you travel from, duh. Not sure how someone can give it 1 star and never have even taken the train. I have riden Amtrak 5 times in 2 years and love it. I always am able to find a seat alone, I just wait till the train is going and find an empty seat. Don't like your seat mate? Then move. The seats are huge and lean way back, also have a large leg rest. Nice lounge car and even tho the diner car has only microwave food, it isn't the worst I've had. You can always just bring your own cooler and food. Plugs at every seat for charging. Large bathrooms, although I always bring Clorox wipes and wipe everything before I pee. Ever since I took my first ride from Tampa to Cary, NC I haven't flown again. It may take longer to get there but it is so much move comfortable and no hassle. I can take a cooler with drinks and food. One day I will get a...