Amtrak delayed responses

caravanman · Feb 7, 2025

Just wondering how many "world records" Amtrak holds?
I emailed a complaint to them back in September, which was acknowledged with a note saying a reply might take some time... It is now February and nothing further heard. Do other members here feel this is some sort of record, or just average Amtrak speed of response?

Bob Dylan · Feb 7, 2025

caravanman said:
Just wondering how many "world records" Amtrak holds?
I emailed a complaint to them back in September, which was acknowledged with a note saying a reply might take some time... It is now February and nothing further heard. Do other members here feel this is some sort of record, or just average Amtrak speed of response?

SOP for Amtrak Eddie!

Devil's Advocate · Feb 7, 2025

I sent emails many years ago with nothing but boilerplate text in reply. Email was invented sometime in the 1970’s and the web went mainstream in the mid-1990's. I don't know when Amtrak started taking emails from customers but the longest “no reply” period is probably decades long at this point. This is why I always advise people to call first and only email if they're told to send corroborating evidence like hotel/airfare receipts or photos of damaged property.

zephyr17 · Feb 7, 2025

caravanman said:
Just wondering how many "world records" Amtrak holds?
I emailed a complaint to them back in September, which was acknowledged with a note saying a reply might take some time... It is now February and nothing further heard. Do other members here feel this is some sort of record, or just average Amtrak speed of response?

There is a black hole at Amtrak's email inbox. Everything gets sucked in and never comes out.

As opposed to most consumer advocacy site advice, which is to use written communication when possible, the best way to contact Amtrak's Customer Relations is by phone. They are very responsive and helpful on the phone. I don't know why most emails to them appear to evaporate, but they do.

Literalman · Feb 7, 2025

I have gotten replies when sending email comments. I am reluctant to call because I might be on hold for a long time. Still, I don't doubt that everyone's complaints are valid. Amtrak may even hold some world records in being unresponsive, but there is stiff competition from government and the private sector.

Maglev · Feb 8, 2025

It took them almost seven months to respond to an emergency request:

AmtrakBlue · Feb 8, 2025

Maglev said:
It took them almost seven months to respond to an emergency request:

View attachment 39102

Guess she didn’t see the button or intercom that is in elevators for notifying someone you’re stuck?

Trollopian · Feb 8, 2025

A little ditty composed at my old job (which was not, I clarify, in "customer relations" or "constituent service" or similar...but did require us to set priorities) fits here:

"You'll know you've died and gone to heaven
When we answer your letter from '97."

Amtrak delayed responses

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

caravanman

Engineer

Bob Dylan

50+ Year Amtrak Rider

Devil's Advocate

⠀⠀⠀

zephyr17

Engineer

Literalman

Service Attendant

Maglev

Conductor

AmtrakBlue

Engineer

Trollopian

OBS Chief

Latest posts