People People!

Please tell me there arn't to many people out there that really think that since Amtrak has a new Logo and a new service guarantee. That their trains will now all of a sudden being running on time and everything work right. On another board that will go nameless. It seems to be alot of people thinking that way.
I like the new Logo I like the old one better but thats a moot point now. Just like RR paint schemes. But if Amtrak was going to spend millions to make the logo change fast, and overnite I would have been one of the first in line to call for the ousting of the top brass. But what we in the trenchs hear is that it could be 3 to 4 years before everything is converted to the new Logo.
Amtrak is trying to do what no other tranportation company is trying to do. Make sure it's passengers are 100% happy with their trip or Amtrak will try to make them that way, happy that is. It's still the same company just trying to make everyone happy and wanting to come back again and again.

 

I don't think there are too many people that think Amtraks new logo will be a majic elixer that will transform it into some overnight success. The Service guarantee, if the employees do their part to make things right could be the majic that could turn Amtrak around. As a former Amtrak employee & now travel agent specializing in rail travel I have made many observations. The one that stands out is that no matter what the on time status or any other unavoidable on board service problem exists, the service afforded to the passengers is the thing that will have people either come back or not. The crew attitude is of paramount importance to the future of Amtrak. I've had many clients say they would never ride Amtrak again just because of a rude employee on an on time train. I have had others on a delayed train that had a great time & it was a great crew that made it happen. Yours Reggie

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The only thing that has made or broke a trip on Amtrak for me was the attitude of the crew. Had a car attendent that turned all the overhead lights on in the car we were in at O-Dark-30 in Memphis on the Southbound-preSuperliner City of New Orleans and woke EVERYBODY UP! She was almost thrown from the train by us because she refused to turn the lights back off! The conductor later chewed her out in front of everyone, we cheered! Another time, same train. We were on our way from Carbondale, IL. to St. Louis (I don't think the train does this anymore) on the Three Rivers section of the "City". Had a drunk woman on the train that just wouldn't shut up! We asked if she could be let off at the next stop or moved to the next car. (Of course, there was no next car, we were just an coach and an F40PH. Also known as a 200ton Bus doing 79MPH.) NO, he couldn't do that. I complained at St. Louis and got the rest of my trip "Comped" by the station Master. One free round ticket from Lincoln, IL. to St. Louis, good anytime. So in reality, they have been doing this kind of stuff already. It's nothing new, I think they just want to make the public more aware of it. Now about that new logo......BARFFFF! The "swoops" are ok, but the lettering has got to go! "AMTRAK" doesn't look right to me unless it's "Amtrak".

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234

 

You are so right. Service is the biggest factor in deciding if a person rides again or not. Amtrak has been trying to get their employees to understand this act like it. But alas there are always a few bad apples in every basket. The biggest problem we have is that amtrak treats it's employees like dirt but expects us to shine and bend over backwards to do all that we can. Let me tell you it is hard to put on a happy freindly face when you are surrounded by letters at work which tells how the company is going to abolish these jobs in point A and start new jobs in point B. Which means you are expected to pull your kids out of school say so long to friends and neighbors pack your family move 140 miles and all at your own expense. Oh and do it with a smile now. The company has told us we are it's biggest asset the most important tool, yet they treat us like an old screwdriver or just a number on a sheet of paper. If you want people to be all that they can be and do the best for the company, then the company needs to treat them like they are something important. Sorry for the raving.

 

Just yesterday while waiting for a train to arrive a passenger came up and was asking if any one knew which route was the best to take west to east to Chicago. I usally just smile and try and pass on the question to someone else to answer, but this time I tried to help and so did the young A/C we had with us. Since I had only knowledge of the Builder I told her where the train runs in daylight and night time for best views since this was what she was looking for being from Europe. After chatting and trying to run down schedules for all the trains for her, I was I thought not to helpful but she was very nice and glad someone was trying to help her and give her some info she couldn't find. I came away with a smile also and I guess even though I don't have to much contact with the public I can maybe help a little sometimes. So if ya ride a train in the pacific northwest and there is a big dumb looking guy with a smile on his face it could be me so say Hi, I could tell you all I know in 2 minutes too!

 

Heres a link to the new log Alan. http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/ap/20000706/us/amtrak_guarantee_7g2.html

 

A number of years ago I rode the Coast Starlight from Portland to LA and back. I certainly don't remember the names of the staff on that train, but I remember eating breakfast on the northbound run, as the train was heading towards Santa Maria, sitting with the staff in the dining car and chatting with them. We rounded the point near Vandenberg AFB, and popped out of the fog into brilliant sunshine. Gorgeous! This was long before the new First Class service was being offered, yet it is one of the best memories I have of Amtrak. I have only taken the trains a few times (usually because of time constraints) yet I have always been pleased with the service I have received.

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Wishin' I wasn't so far
from the railroad...

 

I like it.

I think it will get people to take AMTK.

My reasons,

1) The new logo is targeting younger people that may not even have known what Amtrak is until now.
2) Some people are dum, CPR got more shipments aftre they changed there image, same thing for pepsi, more people bought it.
3) People that do not know AMTK like we do will see this as a change, and will try to ride again.

Those are my reasons, so I can see #s up in the short term.

Happy Railroading!!

Dane N.

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BC Rail King
TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info.
BCRailKing@Canada.com

 

I think the logo is great. It sure beats the heck out of the "pointless arrow" Reggie

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Sorry Regg, I have to disagree with you on this one. I Love the Pointless Arrow. Of course, it's been around since I was six. So to me,>>= says Amtrak. ~~ says AMTRAK! It looks MAD when it's all bold print, not friendly. But that's just my opinion.

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RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 22 July 2000).]