Lazy Amtrak Zephyr SCA Sleeper Attendant? "If needed, you can find me in room 1”

[Way2Kewl]

Have you ever has a sour SCA? This one is a hoot. Listen to our SCA’s announcement to the entire Sleeper car.


I’m a fan and frequent rider on Amtrak LD trains.
Most SCA’s I’ve experienced try to make you feel welcome when introducing themselves and offering their services if you need “anything”.

I was amazed how the Sleeper 0633 from EMY to CHI Sep 21-22 (Zephyr) SCA presented himself to the all the passengers. The following morning he came on the intercom to tell all the passengers that because someone has abused the call button it’s ruined it for everyone and that he’s turned it off and if you need anything he’s in Room 1 and we can find him there.

I was filming a horse curve just in time to catch the SCA telling the passengers that you can only eat in your room if you’re disabled and can’t make it to the diner.

For me personally I’m comfortable tending to my bedroom and rarely need the SCA’a assistance however I’m not so sure being a SCA” is best fit for ***************.

MODERATOR NOTE: Post edited to remove name of SCA

Even if you don’t need their services, having a pleasant SCA on the intercom making passengers feel welcome make a big difference.

From my experiences, most all SCA’s I’ve experienced are pleasant.
... cheers,

 

[Asher]

Did he add don't come aknocking after10m?

 

[Bob Dylan]

Why was the "Attitude" SCAs Name removed?

 

[tim49424]

Hey, at least he was making announcements, good or bad! Here’s one for you...I was on the Coast Starlight in March going from Sacramento to Seattle. When I was boarding, the SCA was outside my car, looked at my ticket and directed me to where my room was. Not only did she not introduce herself, she didn’t stop by my room to familiarize me with it. I realize it was midnight and also realize I didn’t really need it, but usually it’s SOP to do so. In the morning, while I was at breakfast, I guess she assumed I wanted my bed up and so when I returned it was done. She was MIA until we were approaching Portland when she hurriedly went through the car and as she passed a room she’d say “getting off at Portland?” throughout the car. After that, again she was MIA to Seattle. No announcements were made by her the entire trip and no interaction with any passengers. We were an hour late arriving at 9 PM and she again was standing on the platform just outside our car and said to me “have a nice day”. Now that’s what I call lazy and inattentive. First time I’ve not tipped a SCA.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Why was the "Attitude" SCAs Name removed?

I’m also interested... if it’s a site wide policy not to name Amtrak employees the moderators need to enforce that site wide and take off Anderson etc.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

It sounds like this video along with the travel date need to go to customer service and perhaps even to the administrative offices.

 

[Anderson]

I’m also interested... if it’s a site wide policy not to name Amtrak employees the moderators need to enforce that site wide and take off Anderson etc.

Hey, what did I do wrong?

I think the rule, here and elsewhere, has generally applied to "front line" employees (e.g. FAs, SCAs, etc.) since they're not "public persons". People in policy-making positions tend to be rather another story...

 

[Acela150]

Perhaps call Amtrak and let them know? Customer Relations is the department to talk to.

 

[me_little_me]

Always make sure you give such employees a big tip like "Here's a tip. You treat your customers well and they'll tip you in cash!"

 

[Palmland]

Having ridden Amtrak since 1971, I’ve had many SCA’s from very bad, as described here, to very good including some former Pullman Co. employees at the end of their career in early Amtrak.

But the best ever was our trip last weekend on Auto Train. Ernest has been working for Amtrak for only two or three years. He was prompted to leave his career with Marriott at the Mayflower in Washington (I would call him middle aged) because he has always loved trains and finally got a call back from Amtrak. His experience and training there shows.

He did everything right: a friendly welcome, carried our bag to our room, explained in detail the features of our room, had ice and coffee available, was available for turn down and room make up exactly as requested, and frequently checked to see if we needed anything. But his biggest accomplishment was trying to make the reluctant AC work in the portion of the car with roomettes. He, and the passengers, gave up around 10pm. He then moved every passenger to another room in the next car or to a bedroom in our car (the AC worked there but was clearly dying by morning) when no more roomettes were available. He apologized profusely throughout the whole affair. On arrival he offered to carry our bag (and all passengers) to the platform and get luggage carts.

Yes, I’ll contact Customer Relations about him, as well as the faulty AC. He made sure the car was bad ordered on arrival in Lorton. Let’s hope Amtrak HR continues to hire more like him.

 

[Way2Kewl]

I’m pretty easy going and the SCA did not effect me directly as I can manage my own room items and am a pretty quite rider. I was tempted to send a link of the video to someone in Customer Relations but could not find an email. If anyone has a good email I’ll send it on.

I was thinking the same thing with regards his tips. I travel alone and typically tip $20 at the end of the trip. (If I do eat in room, tipped $5 for B & L and $10 for D per meal (or 20%, whichever is more)) Most folks I see do tip as well when deboarding but you would think a global announcement to the entire Sleeper car like this SCA might cause the entire car to rethink the value of their tip and if it was earned. I'd bet anyone that had to go to the SCA's room to request help rather than using the bell would probably be reluntant to tip as much as they ordinarlity would have.

For the record, the Zephyr SCA on the 0633 Sleeper Sep 22-24 was an exception for me. On a better note, after riding Zephyr, and an overnight at the Joliet Harrah’s Casino, I jumped on the #21 Eagle Sep 25/26 car #2120. The SCA on this Eagle sets a fantastic role model for all other SCA’s. Little Lady (said she was 1 year away from retirement) “You better believe it baby” was her favorite saying. Always smiling. She said she runs the Eagle as well as Zephyr. Came by the room within 5 min of boarding. She check in several times a day whenever I had the door open but curtain closed to ask if I needed anything. Coffee by 5:30a. Everything fully stocked and clean. Came by for a 1 hr announcement for me departing in DAL, and again 10 min out. Hope you get a chance to run into her.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I’m pretty easy going and the SCA did not effect me directly as I can manage my own room items and am a pretty quite rider. I was tempted to send a link of the video to someone in Customer Relations but could not find an email. If anyone has a good email I’ll send it on.

I was thinking the same thing with regards his tips. I travel alone and typically tip $20 at the end of the trip. (If I do eat in room, tipped $5 for B & L and $10 for D per meal (or 20%, whichever is more)) Most folks I see do tip as well when deboarding but you would think a global announcement to the entire Sleeper car like this SCA might cause the entire car to rethink the value of their tip and if it was earned. I'd bet anyone that had to go to the SCA's room to request help rather than using the bell would probably be reluntant to tip as much as they ordinarlity would have.

For the record, the Zephyr SCA on the 0633 Sleeper Sep 22-24 was an exception for me. On a better note, after riding Zephyr, and an overnight at the Joliet Harrah’s Casino, I jumped on the #21 Eagle Sep 25/26 car #2120. The SCA on this Eagle sets a fantastic role model for all other SCA’s. Little Lady (said she was 1 year away from retirement) “You better believe it baby” was her favorite saying. Always smiling. She said she runs the Eagle as well as Zephyr. Came by the room within 5 min of boarding. She check in several times a day whenever I had the door open but curtain closed to ask if I needed anything. Coffee by 5:30a. Everything fully stocked and clean. Came by for a 1 hr announcement for me departing in DAL, and again 10 min out. Hope you get a chance to run into her.

Glad you had a good expierence on the Eagle! Lots of great OBS and T&E Crew, only a few "Chicago 'Tude" and Slackers on my Home Train!

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

I was thinking the same thing with regards his tips. I travel alone and typically tip $20 at the end of the trip. (If I do eat in room, tipped $5 for B & L and $10 for D per meal (or 20%, whichever is more)) Most folks I see do tip as well when deboarding but you would think a global announcement to the entire Sleeper car like this SCA might cause the entire car to rethink the value of their tip and if it was earned. I'd bet anyone that had to go to the SCA's room to request help rather than using the bell would probably be reluntant to tip as much as they ordinarlity would have.

To me, the only really appropriate way to show your appreciation, or dissatisfaction, is with your tip amount.

One really should not be belly aching here. That's because it reeks with revenge. Especially, when one feels they need to smear that employee's name publically here.

Sorry folks, I think it is so very wrong, and encouraging bad passenger behavior, when you all jump to conclusions. Just what was behind this passenger's abusing of the call button? You all jump to an imagine of something like a severely mobility handicap passenger begging for a glass of water. I'll counter with what about a passenger who keeps pushing the call button every 5 minutes to demand that the SCA do something about the train running late? "You better get this train back on schedule NOW, or boy will you be sorry when I tell the world about you!"

 

[crescent-zephyr]

To me, the only really appropriate way to show your appreciation, or dissatisfaction, is with your tip amount.

One really should not be belly aching here. That's because it reeks with revenge. Especially, when one feels they need to smear that employee's name publically here.

Sorry folks, I think it is so very wrong, and encouraging bad passenger behavior, when you all jump to conclusions. Just what was behind this passenger's abusing of the call button? You all jump to an imagine of something like a severely mobility handicap passenger begging for a glass of water. I'll counter with what about a passenger who keeps pushing the call button every 5 minutes to demand that the SCA do something about the train running late? "You better get this train back on schedule NOW, or boy will you be sorry when I tell the world about you!"

I mean it’s a discussion board about Amtrak... it’s what we do here? You’re welcome to your opinion but I recommend you be fair and also tell members how very wrong they are for talking bad about Amtrak leadership, or for that matter they shouldn’t mention good employees either since as you say, they should only be able to show their appreciation or lack of it in there tipping.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

To me, the only really appropriate way to show your appreciation, or dissatisfaction, is with your tip amount.

If you don't like the thread's topic then feel free to withhold your tips.

I'll counter with what about a passenger who keeps pushing the call button every 5 minutes to demand that the SCA do something about the train running late? "You better get this train back on schedule NOW, or boy will you be sorry when I tell the world about you!"

I doubt the situation you're describing would be tolerated, but even if it was why should the SCA punish other customers over their inability to resolve and deescalate an unrelated situation? Amtrak's own rules state that anyone can request in-room service, regardless of whether the SCA feels like they need it or not.

 

[Way2Kewl]

To me, the only really appropriate way to show your appreciation, or dissatisfaction, is with your tip amount.

One really should not be belly aching here. That's because it reeks with revenge. Especially, when one feels they need to smear that employee's name publically here.

Sorry folks, I think it is so very wrong, and encouraging bad passenger behavior, when you all jump to conclusions. Just what was behind this passenger's abusing of the call button? You all jump to an imagine of something like a severely mobility handicap passenger begging for a glass of water. I'll counter with what about a passenger who keeps pushing the call button every 5 minutes to demand that the SCA do something about the train running late? "You better get this train back on schedule NOW, or boy will you be sorry when I tell the world about you!"

I just felt his announcement to the entire car was unnecessary. I was happy in my own world, watching the pleasant scenery go by not being effected nor needing his service in any way. But, I think it was unprofessional for him to have made the announcement car wide broadcasting “because of you(this person), you ruined it for everyone”. I simply believe this could have been better dealt with directly with the individual or with the conductors help and not involve the rest of the car.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Wait!!!! I bet this is the same sca who scolded me for taking photos of donner lake from the empty roomette across from me and then made an announcement that everyone only gets 2 waters and not to take waters from rooms that are empty. I didn’t take a water.... I was just taking photos.

Was the first letter in his name A?

He’s a major reason I stopped riding long distance trains as much.

 

[Barb Stout]

Wait!!!! I bet this is the same sca who scolded me for taking photos of donner lake from the empty roomette across from me and then made an announcement that everyone only gets 2 waters and not to take waters from rooms that are empty. I didn’t take a water.... I was just taking photos.

Was the first letter in his name A?

He’s a major reason I stopped riding long distance trains as much.

Well, the voice on way2kewl's recording was pretty distinctive. Was it the same voice? I can understand getting frustrated with someone abusing the call button, why not just not answer that particular passenger and continue to answer the others? I'm sure that particular passenger would get mad, but at least you wouldn't have an entire car mad at you.

 

[me_little_me]

Must have been an elementary school teacher in an earlier life as they always 9it just seemed that way) punished the whole class when one student was disruptive. I always wondered if one teacher failed to turn in a report to a principal if the principal kept every teacher late after classes ended until the one teacher turned in the report.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Well, the voice on way2kewl's recording was pretty distinctive. Was it the same voice? I can understand getting frustrated with someone abusing the call button, why not just not answer that particular passenger and continue to answer the others? I'm sure that particular passenger would get mad, but at least you wouldn't have an entire car mad at you.

That was like 4 years ago.... I don’t remember his exact voice. Sounds like it could be him.

 

[Seaboard92]

I remember I was on a flight once where someone’s ex was the attendant. And they literally pressed the button every three minutes. At the beginning I thought it was comical but towards the end the constant ding across the Atlantic was annoying.

I’ve also worked trips on a PV where I’ve had to lock restrooms.

The story behind that being we had 150 middle schoolers in two PVs and an Amtrak Coach. And the kids kept flushing paper towels and other objects down the toilet. Causing me to have to tear the system apart and unclog it once an hour. The head of the group told me lock the doors. And they would have to walk into the Amtrak section to use the facilities. So it’s been done before.

 

[Lonestar648]

The worst SCA I had several years ago was missing the whole trip, except to stand at the door as passengers got off. Myself and another gentleman helped a few of the Roomettes change their rooms. Interesting thing though at our final lunch, three of us were talking about the SCA when a woman asked to sit with us for a few minutes. She turned out to be an OBS supervisor, gave each of us her card. She told us she would be handling the problem, but for each of us to contact Customer Services to tell them what happened and to give them her name. I did get a voucher I used on another trip.

 

[F900ElCapitan]

Wow!! I have to say I saw a variety of service levels on my latest trip, but nothing to this level. I agree there should be a minimum service level and a few don’t meet that,but I found that each had their own attributes and draws backs. We ended up tipping what I felt were decent amounts and had no major complaints about the service we received.

 

[Radvlad]

To me, the only really appropriate way to show your appreciation, or dissatisfaction, is with your tip amount.

One really should not be belly aching here. That's because it reeks with revenge. Especially, when one feels they need to smear that employee's name publically here.

Sorry folks, I think it is so very wrong, and encouraging bad passenger behavior, when you all jump to conclusions. Just what was behind this passenger's abusing of the call button? You all jump to an imagine of something like a severely mobility handicap passenger begging for a glass of water. I'll counter with what about a passenger who keeps pushing the call button every 5 minutes to demand that the SCA do something about the train running late? "You better get this train back on schedule NOW, or boy will you be sorry when I tell the world about you!"

Can't agree with anything in your post. This is a discussion board, people discuss their experiences, both good and bad. That's what makes this place interesting.

 

[Gary Behling]

When I need an attendant, I push the button inside the room and wait for it instead of doing nothing, not getting the service I wanted, and then complaining about it later.