"It's as if I'm watching one of those infomercials in reverse, and the spokesperson is saying, 'But wait — there's less!'"These were the words of Dave Kraminer, a regular patron of Amtrak’s Auto Train service (Lorton, VA – Sanford, FL), in a recent
USA Today article. The piece examines trends negatively impacting the onboard experience of Amtrak passengers—an issue that has been lighting up phones in the NARP office for weeks.
Increased prices for previously standard services, paired with broad amenities cuts, are becoming increasingly prevalent. This idea has pursued most aggressively by airlines looking to squeeze profits from every point of contact with customers (and sometimes just
squeezing customers). Now this idea has made its way to the national train network. Just last week, Amtrak cut its
complimentary amenity kits from its Empire Builder service—the pillow, blanket, night mask and earplugs which were previously allotted to every passenger will now cost customers an $8 fee. Similarly,
the Southwest Chief faces cuts from its complimentary wine and cheese service... [emphasis added]
