As a European who has seen the development of trains here in the last 40 years, the most important growth factor is reliability, tight timetables and useful routes; hospitality is secondary. Makes the routes vital to the traveller first. Amtrak best asset is dowtown to downtown. Work with your strenghts. A smile is useless if the train is late. Sorry this is just a fact.
@josukex423 күн бұрын
Sorry that you don't understand the difficulties that Amtrak has to deal with here in the USA. They unfortunately cannot control that due to them not owning all of the rails. Hospitality, however, is something they can control. I understand that this may be a cultural difference we have, but being courteous to other is seen as being professional
@armandoventura90433 күн бұрын
Reliability is impossible for Amtrak to control because almost none of the tracks it runs on belong to the American government, worse still, the freigth companies are the owners of these and have done many things to the detriment of passenger service
@TheRailwayDrone3 күн бұрын
@@josukex42 That is not 100% true. They own the Northeast Corridor, their most lucrative route on Amtrak's network. THAT, they can control, so the European poster is right with his assessment and suggestions.
@jacksonp23973 күн бұрын
@@josukex42 That's not a cultural difference, its an economic difference, and its one that doesn't need respect because it's holding our country hostage.
@thefirstmwa2 күн бұрын
As another comment stated, you’re ignoring the struggles Amtrak has to go through just to give a slightly good service. They have like 2% of the funding that highways get and constantly face threats of defunding from congress. They’re doing a decent job considering all the challenges they face.
@stopsign9972 күн бұрын
Very exciting Amtrak! Love the focus on Hospitality. A little goes a far way
@trainsupporter90883 күн бұрын
One thing I wish Amtrak would bring back is any easy way to find timetables on the website like they used to have. I understand that having print copies is expensive, but Amtrak used to have a fantastic timetable. Also, how about bringing back route guides again. Perhaps selling a packet in the cafe car that would include a route guide, a timetable for that train, and 2-3 post cards of that train - have you given that any kind of consideration. As someone who has traveled almost every Amtrak mile operated in the last 37 years, I have many ideas!
@BryantCarolyn3 күн бұрын
As a passenger who has traveled some 100,000+ long distance miles, (Select Executive member for several of these years), I look forward to experiencing this new initiative. I've traveled MANY times on all the western routes, and several times on most of the eastern routes. I remember the days of boarding a sleeper, being greeted with a single serving bottle of champagne in my room, and the SCA coming by in the afternoon offering "Fresh Hot Cookies" to sleeper class passengers. Not to mention the Sightseer Lounge wine tastings in the afternoon while passing through the Rockies or Glacier Nat'l Park. I've introduced Amtrak travel to many friends and relatives. It's great you're restoring some that, YAY! Now let's get some New Equipment! Some of the sleeper cars need to GO...an embarrassment to Amtrak (an to me personally, when bringing my friends along). Also, PLEASE do something about the inedible food on the City of New Orleans, and get the Window washer fixed!!!! The Journey requires clean windows! Meanwhile, Congrats! Glad to see the changes being implemented!!
@SamSitar3 күн бұрын
wowser, how do you find the time to travel that much?
@BryantCarolyn2 күн бұрын
@@SamSitar Self-employed. Make my own schedule!
@hollistherailfan3 күн бұрын
Great job Amtrak! So excited for 110MPH in Wayne, MI.
@bluecollarbuilds3 күн бұрын
Im looking forward to the Memphis to Atlanta line and many more in the future. Make trains great again!
@wendyy4346Күн бұрын
Trains are the absolute best form of travel! Amtrak team members are often friendly. I think what is limiting the experience is the level of cleanliness and fresh smells. The cafe cars can get dirty quickly. Pay the cafe person more to stay on top of the clean tables. The restrooms get rough near middle of the trip. Pay someone more to keep those restrooms tidy! I second the person that mentioned timetables and reliability. There's nothing like floating along without worrying about what the other cars on the road are doing and being able to get up whenever you want. I'm glad Amtrak is moving forward and hope to use it more in the future!❤
@rdm9252 күн бұрын
Thanks, for the video and customer service effort. I have been living in Detroit, MI for over 25 years. The only Amtrak service out of Detroit is to Chicago. There is no connection south into Ohio or to the rest of the country. I hope you can create new service south to Toledo and Ohio. Thanks to the Infrastructure bill passed in the Biden Admin, and under the current Secretary of Transportation you finally have a real opportunity to improve, re-equip and expand. Hopefully the Trump Admin, doesn't try to eliminate and destroy Amtrak and the funding under the Infrastructure bill.
@louislamonte3343 күн бұрын
There DESPERATELY needs to be a train, either Amtrak or Metrolink, from Los Angeles to Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage!! The tracks are there and the traffic is beyond horrible!!
@MarvinBowen2 күн бұрын
I've only ridden a train long distance twice in my life. Both time Amtrak. Both originating SW Michigan, connecting in Chicago. Both were over 20 years ago. At that time, I enjoyed the experience. That was it. Comfortable. Peaceful. Food. I didn't get a room, just a regular seat. You are really onto it with the idea that the differentiator is the experience. What is challenging is the limited destinations. This last summer I was going to Wyoming for a two week volunteer opportunity. I considered taking the train but there are zero train stations in Wyoming. Pretty wild. For Christmas I'm going to CO and NM. The closest train station to my destination is 4 hours away. That makes it hard. Expanding service (without bus trip endpoints) would be key for me to use Amtrak more. I know it is unlikely to happen due to cost, but that is the reality for me.
@trish21792 күн бұрын
Love Amtrak! You guys never cease to amaze me and everytime i ride i learn from you and use it in my work. Learning superior customer service passively, from Amtrak. Thank you for treating us like people and not cattle. Keep being Awesome!!
@johnchambers85282 күн бұрын
I never really experienced long distance train travel prior to the establishment of Amtrak. I have had many good long distance train trips since. However as the older prior private operated train personnel retired I did notice the service was not always as good. It really hit bottom in the last few years when the dinning car and lounge service suffered. The lounge - snack bar service and food and beverage was never that great. So this new emphasis on customer service and upgraded food and beverage service is a good step forward. A smile and a nice welcome is always great and since especially on long distance trains unexpected delays can happen being given the best updates on the status of the delay is helpful. I look forward to this new renewed attitude on customer service and hope to experience it on my next long or short distance trip on Amtrak
@TohaBgood23 күн бұрын
With Amtrak tickets being so expensive, the only way it can make sense for a normal person to take the train is if it's materially better than flying and driving. The only way to make that happen is to make trains a better, more comfortable, nicer experience. Basically, Amtrak needs to become Brightline. This is the way.
@Aroncsik3 күн бұрын
They also then have to keep up with all the airports getting fancy renovations. Even on shorter routes, air travel will be the more popular option until trains are electrified and frequent.
@JPBX9043 күн бұрын
Really? You said Brightline is "rebranded Amtrak" and then Amtrak needs to "become Brightline"? Sounds like someone read my reply ;-)
@TohaBgood23 күн бұрын
@JPBX904 Same diesel Siemens trains, same government subsidies. Brightline is rebranded Amtrak. But the brand makes a difference to people like you, for example. Doesn't mean that Amtrak shouldn't emulate Brightline's marketing and customer service though. It's practically the same service anyway. Why not?
@gunrunner72243 күн бұрын
Can't wait for the lacawana cut-off connection to scranton to be finished. I hope to catch one of the first few trains over that way.
@trish21792 күн бұрын
You are right, that is one thing i carried with me from 7 years in a grocery store. Say Hi, smile, stop and listen, do your best to help. Most people are happy that you took the time. Especially when in a hurry.❤
@trish21792 күн бұрын
Ok, last one, promis, I get on Amtrak, sit down and relax. It's NO pressure, jusy breath, enjoy the ride, enjoy the people... dont want to get off at my destination.
@dezy89412 күн бұрын
Great video, great energy, and yes! CS can always be improved. However with 40 years of Amtrak in my life, there is a much greater issue Amtrak faces that goes beyond this ad and until it gets addressed unfortunately no initiative will last.
@austingaebe17313 күн бұрын
This is a fantastic approach by Amtrak. While I've been so happy to be one of their riders dozens of times over the years and have been glad to see them grow, one of the biggest sore spots I find when riding Amtrak is the lack of a hospitality mindset when interacting with Amtrak crew. Too often, they are gruff, bored, and occasionally downright rude and inhospitable. This initiative interrogates why Amtrak can't have the same level of customser service as, say, a flight attendant, or a hotel front desk agent, and I would welcome the changes made to staff training and hiring.
@BryantCarolyn2 күн бұрын
Western Routes staff are much friendlier than those on the Eastern runs!
@justinstrickland53822 күн бұрын
Attitude is the building block. You can have the fanciest equipment in the world but if you interact with a on board team remember or Conductor with an u pleasant disposition, it ruins nearly everything. If Amtrak treats their employees with respect they deserve, hopefully that flows down to the passengers. Please maximize space in the cafe cars and dining cars for the general public. While the crew needs break times and a place to rest, ice encountered 5 tables with one member of crew each, one was watching with a small portable TV. Please give designated space for them in a passenger coach wheee the seats are not sold and not communal space. Train your station agents like the ones in charleston SC, those folks give greet customer service but know how to announce and give clear instructions. What I would give to be a part of a focus group for Amtrak…if there’s ever an opportunity.
@justinstrickland53822 күн бұрын
Bring back traditional dining to all passengers on all the routes that removed it in 2018, start there, then expand as able.
@relaxingsounds77823 күн бұрын
Bring national passenger rail back please
@the-terrible633 күн бұрын
Thank you for the information, you guys are the best, @amtrak, merry Christmas to all of you.
@MrMarshmallow263 күн бұрын
Hoping for continued progress on the RF&P from DC to Richmond for the separation of freight and passenger trains outside of the NEC! Great projects are happening down here like the Long Bridge as well as a fourth track in Alexandria being built soon.
@matthewjorgenson81292 күн бұрын
I’m excited for the future expansion in Wisconsin. Fingers crossed. The Borealis is a good stepping stone to build upon.
@alexanderschaefer28983 күн бұрын
We need more Empire Service trains, they're all sold out this week!
@SamSitar3 күн бұрын
the Empire Service can also provide the second round trip between Albany NY and Boston MA.
@Roz-903 күн бұрын
I'm excited for Amtrak to come back to Louisville! I want very much for it to be a viable, well-connected line this time. Nashville and Cincinnati connections will be needed also.
@PLesnia773 күн бұрын
Hi Amtrak. I love riding the trains but am always scared about delays. For example, recently I was riding from Norfolk to Washington DC to catch an international flight. The train was delayed fortunately by a small bit but then I heard about other trains delayed even more. It scared me. I could have missed my fight. Of course, I allowed myself a 5 hour layover so any small delays wouldn't affect me. But such generous connections are not always possible. Anyway, everything else is awesome: kind customer service, good food, and a fun experience of riding.
@louiszhang30503 күн бұрын
It needs to be both. We can only get the most people on trains when it is not only the most enjoyable way to get from A to B, but also when it is the most cost-effective, most efficient, and fastest way to get from A to B.
@JKVisFX3 күн бұрын
There are several things that Amtrak needs to fix, difficult problems. 1) For the high-speed routs, you have to own your own tracks and they need to be built to true high-speed specs (220mph350kph) throughout the entire rout except for the in-city approaches. 2) Where you have to share freight tracks, they need to be "passenger priority," not the other way around which is the primary cause of late arrivals. 3) The bunks in the sleepers are too thin. You really need better mattresses for them. 4) Fully modernized digital infrastructure including plenty of power outlets, USB-C ports, and on-train WiFi connected via a data backbone running on the power/coms infrastructure that runs alongside the tracks. 5) MUCH better quality food in the cafe cars; freshly cooked, restaurant-quality food in the diners. 6) A serious upgrade to the interiors of the long-distance trains, something befitting a nice-not fancy, just nice-business class hotel room. These kinds of changes would really make a long-distance train feel like an experience befitting the notion of the trip being the experience you speak about. Right now, what you charge for the sleepers is just not worth it. I love train travel, it's my favorite way to go but, my wife is not won over for the reasons mentioned above.
@Specialcot772 күн бұрын
I'm a Amtrak Junkies 🔥
@bennetfox3 күн бұрын
See what Brightline is doing? Do that!
@SamSitar3 күн бұрын
trains let you enjoy landscape you are passing through.
@johndunbar75042 күн бұрын
Come to Canada and teach the folk at VIA.
@wolfen2163 күн бұрын
F&B after you guys gutted it so bad especially on what was the Capitol Limited.
@PCC_TRAINS3 күн бұрын
I’m looking forward to all the new Siemens chargers and new stock, but I will miss the Amfleets and p40’s
@ryanjones41063 күн бұрын
I wish Ohio would quit being stupid and reconnect our cities with passenger rail. Half the infrastructure is already in place. We used to have steam trains going up and down the river from Dayton to Cincinnati. It drives me nuts I can’t hop a train and travel to Cincinnati. I have to get in my car and endure I-75 south 🤮 🤣
@sgarlanka3 күн бұрын
Love it
@michlschade22363 күн бұрын
The biggest experience improvement would be improving the view from the windows. The NEC is littered with trash and other eyesores. Erase the graffiti. Work with Congress to fund viewshed improvements - historic, landscapes, industrial. Cities don't understand the viewshed could be free advertising. But if I pass through a city and see decay and garbage, I won't ever plan to visit.
@willmills13883 күн бұрын
I am especially interested in first class and persons with disabilities
@robertenglish75573 күн бұрын
Good News Everyone they could live in the beach at Gulfport and Alson Ride the train To work in New Orleans Once Amtrak Trains Return in 2025 Said Knox Ross the Chairman, which run Two trains Two times a day each direction Coast Residents Between Mobile and New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina amtrak Passenger train return to Gulfport station Construction issues Super Bowl in February 9 2025 on weekends 100 People could Arrived on Coast from Mobile and New Orleans amtrak stops like Pascagoula Biloxi Gulfport and Bay St Louis Mississippi like aquarium and restaurants Cruise shorelines get hotels take plane to Orleans Biloxi and Gulfport Airport 2025 Mardi gras🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@83racingofflorida612 күн бұрын
As a business traveler on Amtrak there are several things you need to change. Call me, I'll enlighten you.
@MrStark-up6fi3 күн бұрын
“Amtrak is a waste of taxpayer money” - Every loser ever
@erik_griswold3 күн бұрын
Stop pretending you are an airline when it comes to boarding.
@kijihigh68263 күн бұрын
Amtrak is the worst transportation on the planet. It has a slave mentality. It is archaic and has done nothing to improve its service for years. Other countries have beautiful transportation and state of the art. Amtrak is embarrassing. The bathrooms smell. Can you imagine? They have the same hour of departure travel from Charlotte to Atlanta since slavery..... 3:00 am in the morning, once a day!!! This is an example of their incompetence. From Atlanta to Charlotte the hour of departure is at 11:00 PM...only!!! The food stinks. Amtrak gives fair service to certain people in certain parts of the country....if you know what I mean......Please someone come up with a better game changer for our transportation in the USA. Amtrak needs to go!!!!
@randall83792 күн бұрын
I hope Amtrak's customer customer service is better than this guy's clothes.
@Urbanhandyman3 күн бұрын
Talks about hospitality but dresses as though he's about to cut the grass in his garden.
@kevindavis9003 күн бұрын
I appreciate he’s thinking creatively. Creative thinkers don’t wear Men’s Warehouse suits to work.
@mariuspettersen664Күн бұрын
Talking about hospitality, but take away great social dining cars on long distance trains and replace them with lonely microwave meals. It's just words then
@Society2dayКүн бұрын
They are far far away in a place called imagination land. Your service can be so much better. But you limit yourselves to restrictions.
@AllAmericanRailfan43 күн бұрын
First
@rdm9253 күн бұрын
Thanks for the video, focus on the basics and return full dining service on long distance trains and on time service!