As the airlines attempt to derail federal legislation on passenger
rights by promising to adhere to a self-imposed honor system,
Amtrak has rolled out its own passenger pledge, despite the fact
that nobody has even asked for it.
Like a rock star who goes into rehab because it might lead to a
few talk show gigs, Amtrak is launching a pre-emptive strike
against nobody, promising the moon and the stars to any and all
disenchanted air passengers who can see their way clear to riding
the rails.
Employee training programs, on-board amenities and beefed up
F&B are the cornerstones of the initiative. Vouchers, rather
than refunds, are the carrot that Amtrak hopes will entice riders
back on board.
Maybe it will work. But last time I rode Amtrak I spent five
hours sitting on the restroom floor of a packed train, and I was
far from alone. Once you've ridden the rails in the bathroom, all
the romance seems to go out of the words "all aboard."