Unfortunately, delays in passenger train travel are almost unavoidable. It
could be a few minutes to several hours. It mostly isn’t Amtrak’s fault
although it is the victim. Again, the problem is freight traffic. With the
railroads owning the tracks freight comes first. Often a passenger train pulls
off to a siding while a 100-car freight train rumbles by. On a long
cross-country trip a delay here and there could add up. Then there are delays
that are Amtrak’s fault. For example, this first-hand report tells of a
recent trip from Anaheim to Los
Angeles. The passengers waiting at the station were
informed that the regular Amtrak train that morning had some mechanical
problems and there would be a delay of 30-minutes or so. Then, few minutes
later came the announcement that the train was cancelled but that another train
was coming in its place and would be at the station in 2 hours. That did not
sit at all well with the passengers – enough so that Amtrak decided to send two
of its Amtrak busses and take the people to Los Angeles
that way. Some 45 minutes later the busses arrived and everyone boarded. Then,
shockingly, the bus driver turned to the passengers sitting near him and asked,
“Does anyone know the way?” The bottom line is don’t expect to be at your
destination on time. Just sit back and enjoy your trip no matter how long it
takes. Buy a second book to read.
Reservations and Seating Choices
As with other modes of travel you can reserve seats by phone, online,
through a travel agency, or in person. Seating is mostly unreserved, meaning
that you pick a seat when you board. Amtrak usually doesn’t concern itself with
overbooking by a few people so it is possible (but not likely) that you
wouldn’t have a seat when you get on. But don’t worry – just head for the café
car and sit there. For business class you are guaranteed a seat – but not a
specific one as on an airline. The only way to know exactly where you’re
sitting is to reserve a bedroom in a sleeping car (only long distance trains).
You might consider this even though you may not be on the train overnight. Even
the small roomettes are comfortable with large seats facing each other. You
have privacy if you want it and even a steward to serve you. And, meals are
provided free. It costs a little more but it might be worth it. Oh, and you can
be assured of being in the most modern cars Amtrak has – they don’t bring back
old cars for long distance trains.