Does the Auto Train still use paper tickets?

[Anderson]

Really what it says on the tin. When I go to book it, I only get "ticket agent" or "express delivery" as ticket delivery/pickup options, not Quik-Trak or electronically.

 

[battalion51]

I'd refer you to Auto Train's "Ticketless Check-In" process page on Amtrak.com

 

[Dovecote]

Really what it says on the tin. When I go to book it, I only get "ticket agent" or "express delivery" as ticket delivery/pickup options, not Quik-Trak or electronically.

No paper tickets for traveling on the Auto Train. The "ticket agent" choice refers to the check-in process with the agent inside the station agent. They confirm your reservation and assign times for dinner seating. I have no idea why "express delivery" would be offered.

 

[battalion51]

Its possible that Express Delivery remains in the system as a legacy option since there are still some situations elsewhere in the system where a paper ticket would have to be issued. Might be too complicated to re-write the code for these two specific trains where the option is removed.

 

[Anderson]

Honestly, reading the "ticketless" policy, it sounds to me like the answer is "Yes, we still use paper tickets, but we really don't want to admit it." This probably has to do with the fact that the Auto Train is, after 30 years, still sui generis within Amtrak.

 

[AlanB]

The Auto Train was Amtrak's initial testing for part of the eTicketing system. But it also does not use the full eTicketing system either. And it doesn't need to because of the fact that one can only board in two locations. One can still obtain paper tickets I believe for the Auto Train, but one also does not need to do so either. But you also don't get the traditional eTicket either.

It really is basically, just show up, provide name & ID, and board the train.

 

[SubwayNut]

What does an Auto Train e-mail confirmation look like?

I'm only used to the old run under quicktrak or simply visit the ticket agent e-mails or the new eTicket e-mails.

Randomly in the brochure rack inside NYP ClubAcela (at least a few weeks ago) are some Welcome aboard Auto Train jackets with information on the Auto Train and clearly a place to put your tickets.

 

[battalion51]

Last time I took Auto Train it was the standard confirmation e-mail. They only needed your last name, ID, and reservation number to complete the process. The jackets do have some place to put tickets because you're given a boarding pass with your seat/room location and car number, as well as your meal ticket. They also will write down your vehicle number on this jacket to make it easy for you to remember during the claim process.

 

[SubwayNut]

That all makes sense why that folder area is there, thanks!

The Auto Train is the only route I have no immediate plans to ride, I don't own a car and don't drive much.

 

[AlanB]

I also don't think that Amtrak bothered to redesign that folder from pre-eTicket days. Heck, for all I know they may still be using up stock brought before eTicketing was implemented.

I recall seeing napkins imprinted with "Club Class" for at least 5 years and probably longer after Club Class had been discontinued. Seems someone brought a 10 year supply or so shortly before the re-branding.

But even if they were to redesign in the future, it probably wouldn't change too much, since as noted by Battalion it has a place to write down the assigned car numbers; a place to hold the seat check; a place to hold the dinner reservation tickets; and of course it provides a nice route description.