Official Representation on Amtrak Unlimited?

[the_traveler]

If we did have an "official" Amtrak person here on AU, as EB_OBS said, it may restrict some of the comments that are posted by Amtrak employees. When I worked for the IRS, because it was a Government agency, I was restricted from doing anything political - even though I never would. (I am as uncommitted as much as is possible.)

I for one learn as much from the Amtrak employees who do post, as they do from all of us! If there was an "official" member, perhaps we AU members might be restricted from saying "_____ was bad" or "_____ was great". I do not want to lose that opportunity to praise someone publicly.

 

[AKA]

Want Amtrak ? Go to Amtrak.com. Select contact us.

 

[Ryan]

There are various "unoffical" folks here, the most senior of which (I think) is retired.

Well the most senior and regular visitor & poster here is indeed retired. There are however more senior folks than him, who do visit from time to time, even if they don't ever post.

Cool!

I for one learn as much from the Amtrak employees who do post, as they do from all of us! If there was an "official" member, perhaps we AU members might be restricted from saying "_____ was bad" or "_____ was great". I do not want to lose that opportunity to praise someone publicly.

That makes no sense whatsoever. Does the presence of AGR Insider prohibit people from stating their opinions on Flyertalk?

 

[fairviewroad]

Amtrak employees who currently post on here (much appreciated, BTW!) must surely do so knowing in the back of their mind

that there is nothing that prevents Amtrak management from reading this forum currently. So there is likely some degree of

self-censorship/self-preservation that happens already. I'm not sure why that would be exacerbated by some sort of official

Amtrak presence. Amtrak doesn't need to have a "handle" on this forum to make internal rules about how and where its

employees can post on the internet.

 

[amamba]

I do wonder about what EB_OBS posted. I wouldn't want to lose out on the posts that we do get from actual amtrak employees because they have been banned from posting since there is now an "official" amtrak presence.

Frankly, if I want official amtrak presence I either go to flyertalk and send a PM to the AGR Insider or I call customer service. I don't see why we need to change anything here and thus I am against inviting amtrak to create an official username. I much prefer the unofficial qualities of this site.

 

[AlanB]

I for one learn as much from the Amtrak employees who do post, as they do from all of us! If there was an "official" member, perhaps we AU members might be restricted from saying "_____ was bad" or "_____ was great". I do not want to lose that opportunity to praise someone publicly.

That makes no sense whatsoever. Does the presence of AGR Insider prohibit people from stating their opinions on Flyertalk?

Not exactly the same thing. After all, that is Flyertalk. This is Amtrak talk, better known as Amtrak Unlimited. That could change things a bit since we're using their name!

 

[Ryan]

I would still find it impossible to believe that a member being an "official" representative of Amtrak would in any way limit our ability to give honest feedback.

If Amtrak didn't like negative things being said about them, they could pull their permission to use their name regardless of if they have an "official" presence.

 

[oldtimer]

I have really thought long and hard about my answer to this topic. I technically am an employee of Amtrak on a medical disability, this disability came from an Amtrak medical disqualification. I still remain of my craft roster and could possibly return if I were to pass an Amtrak return to work physical (which their is no way in the world that I would, or even want to). I did not post a lot or fill in the "about me" portion of my AU profile until I was no longer an active employee. I am still somewhat reserved as my wife is still an Amtrak employee until about this time next year when she can retire. I my position as an employee I have had a conflict with Amtrak management and was told to disassociate my self from a website that was very useful to Amtrak.

I think that the current method that this forum uses is the proper way to proceed in the future. No official representation of Amtrak, but a voluntary participation. If we were to have an official representative I sincerely believe that some of the employees here would be quieted, either on there own or officially. I think that those employees that post here have an interest in Amtrak and want to see it grow and prosper. If Amtrak were to appoint an official representative that person might just look at it as another task piled on them as Amtrak has pared many jobs in both management and labor, thus more work with fewer workers.

I respect Anthony's opinion as he does have the final say.

 

[cirdan]

I voted other.

I don't believe a public forum is the right platform to discuss private complaints and questions with Amtrak representatives. Maybe it is the right place to ask for help if you feel you're not being listened to. But that's not the same thing.

Having Amtrak pay somebody to regularly read this forum and get involved in discussions isn't the most effeicient use of Amtrak money. If somebody wants to ask Amtrak something or take up an issue, there already are channels for that.

However, if Amtrak employees want to get involved here on a volunatry basis that is welcome.

I work for a large corporation myself and I know from my own experienec that communication is a slow and unpredicatble beast. This is why my employer tells me that I can go onto forums and blogs as much as my like on my own time but may never speak on behalf of my company, and if I do comment on company matters, always make sure it is clear that I am speaking my own opinions and not those of the company. All it takes is one slip or an emotional response to a flame bait and some journalist might read the forum and conclude things about this company from things I say. This is especaily trick as on account of my position I know things (or may know things) about my company that the public and our competitors don't and so should tread carefully when saying or implying anything, even if it is just my own personal opinion or some crazy speculation as sometimes somebody may attempt to distill some factoid out of that.

 

[TimePeace]

I'm still not seeing any possible improvement to be gained. I'll keep reading... but so far, I still think "if it ain't broke" etc.

 

[rrdude]

I'm still not seeing any possible improvement to be gained. I'll keep reading... but so far, I still think "if it ain't broke" etc.

My general line of thought, is that it is probably in "Amtrak's best interest" to monitor postings on here, from little things to occasional mis-informed postings.

The great thing about the internet is that current employees of Amtrak who wish to remain anonymous, can easily (actually by default, you have WORK to publicly identify yourself) do so.

 

[TraneMan]

A very interesting topic and poll.

I didn't vote but I'll say that if Amtrak were to offer and/or provide an official presence at AU, it could possibly make it more difficult for employees such as myself to post much if at all.

I don't officially represent Amtrak's CS department or speak for Amtrak in any official capacity. If Amtrak set up an actual official Amtrak CS representative here, Amtrak could or would likely prohibit employees from posting or at least prohibit us from identifying ourselves as Amtrak employees. I dunno, it's pretty hard to guess what exactly would come out of it.

Anyways, I enjoy reading the forum. I actually learn a lot from you all too. Many of you are way more traveled and more experienced in the intricacies of ticketing and trip planning than I am.

I'm always glad to help out wherever I can. I try to check in several times a week, even daily sometimes. I reply to PMs and am happy to receive them.

EB_OBS

I have to agree w/ EB_OBS on this. I know where I work, I am not allowed to comment or suggest anything on the company's Facebook page.

I am glad to see EB_OBS here and I have asked him a few things last year via PM. I yet have met him on the EB hopefully this year I will!

 

[the_traveler]

My general line of thought, is that it is probably in "Amtrak's best interest" to monitor postings on here, from little things to occasional mis-informed postings.

And as said, some Amtrak officials do sometimes monitor things on AU, even they may not advertise it! How can you be so sure that some changes (either good or bad, depending on how you look at it) that have occurred have not been because of a posting on AU?

 

[rrdude]

My general line of thought, is that it is probably in "Amtrak's best interest" to monitor postings on here, from little things to occasional mis-informed postings.

And as said, some Amtrak officials do sometimes monitor things on AU, even they may not advertise it! How can you be so sure that some changes (either good or bad, depending on how you look at it) that have occurred have not been because of a posting on AU?

My point is this, sometimes people (AU posters incl.) like to "Think" they have influence, it just makes them feel better, thinking that their little suggestion or comment, might help Amtrak or some situation.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

I don't see why we need to change anything here and thus I am against inviting amtrak to create an official username. I much prefer the unofficial qualities of this site.

I think amamba's post sums up the views of many. However, I would like to make two points in response.

1. Nobody is saying this "needs" to happen. It is merely a proposal along with a request for comments (all of which are appreciated by the way).

2. Some of the unofficial qualities of AU are being eroded and undermined by our placement at or near the top of virtually every Amtrak related search result.

The simple truth is that public opinion about Amtrak is being shaped in part by forums just like ours. Day-in and day-out we see new folks passing through our threads as they seek to glean a better understanding of America's passenger rail system. Time and again our threads end without any satisfying conclusion. Compliments and complaints alike go silently into the abyss of presumed indifference. It would be nice to see recurring complaints receiving some sort of attention. Likewise it would be nice to see compliments eventually make their way to the folks who earned them. I guess you could say I just find it rather curious that Amtrak doesn't see any role for themselves in this dialog.

Thanks again to everyone who has commented on my suggestion, regardless of your position.

 

[abcnews]

My only concern is the AGR section. I feel that their travel program is hard to beat - I hate for them to come on to our forum and see how some folks are sharing some ideas regarding loopholes, or gaining points quicker, etc...etc... They may tighten it up a bit.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

My only concern is the AGR section. I feel that their travel program is hard to beat - I hate for them to come on to our forum and see how some folks are sharing some ideas regarding loopholes, or gaining points quicker, etc...etc... They may tighten it up a bit.

1. Hard to beat compared to who?

AGR points already require more time, money, and effort to accrue than any other loyalty program I've been a part of. Many loyalty programs have fast track options for achieving and maintaining status. I can quickly and painlessly become an elite member of any major airline, hotel chain, or car rental agency from virtually any urban center in the country just by watching for special offers and playing my cards right. With Amtrak unless you live in a handful of corridors it's just one long slog toward the finish line. At the end of this marathon you're awarded several bonuses that provide few benefits outside of those same high-traffic corridors.

2. What loopholes?

Any loopholes I ever knew about have already been closed. You're probably right to imply that Amtrak's changes to AGR were in response to the routine abusers and braggarts, but none of that seemed to require an official user on AU to get the corrective effort rolling. Considering that Amtrak has already closed most of their loopholes and just got done pushing through a substantial devaluation of our points I'm curious what more you think they'd be willing to do to further weaken a loyalty program that is already of questionable value in most of the country?

 

[The Davy Crockett]

After mulling this over, and reading the many excellent entries from all sides, here is my HO:

If Amtrak wanted an official blog voice, they would have done so by now, either here or elsewhere.

Having an 'official' Amtrak voice here at AU would totally change the nature of the blog, and not for the better. Don't confuse a desire to 'improve' Amtrak with 'improving' the blog.

I think it is best to leave things as they are.

 

[PerRock]

We have a blog? Where is this?

peter

 

[AlanB]

Time and again our threads end without any satisfying conclusion.

Well it may not be a "satisfying conclusion" to us, since we almost never hear the end result. But I'm betting that many things do still reach a "satisfying conclusion" if the poster takes our often given advice to contact Amtrak.

Compliments and complaints alike go silently into the abyss of presumed indifference. It would be nice to see recurring complaints receiving some sort of attention. Likewise it would be nice to see compliments eventually make their way to the folks who earned them. I guess you could say I just find it rather curious that Amtrak doesn't see any role for themselves in this dialog.

It may well appear that things disappear into an abyss, especially if one is expecting quick results. But as one of our regular posters just learned very recently, Amtrak did eventually get back to him regarding his input on something. IIRC, it took nearly 6 months (which IMHO is far too long), but Amtrak did eventually reach out to him.

 

[AlanB]

My only concern is the AGR section. I feel that their travel program is hard to beat - I hate for them to come on to our forum and see how some folks are sharing some ideas regarding loopholes, or gaining points quicker, etc...etc... They may tighten it up a bit.

I cringe every time I see someone making posts even now over on Flyertalk on how they beat the system or plan to try and beat the system.

That said, the two biggest changes to AGR didn't come about because of postings on Flyertalk being spotted by someone at AGR. Instead they came about because of excessive abuse of the AGR program.

The first was back when the 100 point minimum was introduced. Some wise people started buying 2, 3, even 4 or 5 tickets for the same train, such that they'd get perhaps as many as 500 points for a $5 Keystone ticket. AGR didn't seem to concerned to fix that issue. That is until someone one day decided to go for the gold and boarded a Keystone with something like 250 tickets IIRC. They figured that they could launch to Select Plus status with one ride and then some.

Stupidly the conductor took all the tickets. It was after he turned them in that changes were implemented to stop that abuse and some AGR members saw reviews of their accounts and a loss of points. The smart guy had his account closed I think and the conductor had some explaining to do.

The other big change was the closing of many loophole trips. Again, Flyertalk had nothing to do with that. In fact, postings on a forum had nothing to do with it either. I learned later that AGR had long been aware of people booking loopholes. It was deemed to be a non-issue, since the few amount of trips being booked that truly abused things simply wasn't costing enough to warrant closing the loopholes.

It wasn't until a member here booked a loophole trip where the agent screwed something up and got the dates wrong that AGR closed the loopholes. The member protested things all the way up the chain of command demanding that AGR give him his trip back, even though it now included a departure on a black out date thanks to the aforementioned booking error. They insisted that since it was Amtrak's mistake that AGR override the blackout date.

Well the member got his trip and everyone lost loopholes because management decided after that it just wasn't worth future hassles like this over something that was already an abuse of the system.

 

[Dan O]

I'd vote no to an official Amtrak presence here. I think we get enough complaints from non-members who think we are part of Amtrak. I think it's better to listen and then refer them to Amtrak than it would be if this was a place to make official complaints. Seems like it would be that way if there was an official Amtrak presence here.

Just my opinion,

Dan

 

[Shanghai]

I vote for no change. I feel with Anthony and Alan, we presently have good

representation from an Amtrak knowledge perspective. Don't fix it if it isn't broken!!

And many thanks to Anthony, Alan and many others for sharing their knowledge with us.

 

[RRrich]

What Shanghai said

 

[Henry Kisor]

I voted Yes in the beginning but after the reasoned discussion would have voted No. Too late to change the vote, I guess.