10 ways to improve travel on Amtrak

Amtrak should streamline the boarding process to make it more efficient and less time-consuming. Passengers should be able to board the train quickly and easily, without long lines or confusion. In practice, this will vary between the trains on the NEC and the long-distance trains: and mostly involves changes at either end of the run. The conductors on board are already pretty good at getting passengers into the proper coach during the intermediate station stops. On the regional trains, maybe individual ticketed seats (like most airlines0 would work better.

While some trains offer decent food options, others leave a lot to be desired. Amtrak should improve the quality and variety of food available on board, ensuring that passengers have delicious and satisfying meal options throughout their journey. This is not a new idea (or complaint.) The quality of on-board food service most severely effects those travelers in sleeping cars and those riding from one terminus to the other. In other words, the passengers paying the most for their tickets. Amtrak always seems to think that cutting back on food service is a cost cutting measure. Penny wise and pound foolish to my way of thinking. You may be cutting costs, but your loss of revenue customers outweighs any savings.

Amtrak should invest in more comfortable seating options, especially for long-distance trips. Passengers should be able to relax and enjoy the ride in seats that are spacious, ergonomic, and equipped with amenities like power outlets and personal entertainment systems. Another frequent comment. To be fair, Amtrak has been on a multi-year rolling stock improvement program to upgrade its fleet, to include coach cars. An even better approach to improving travel for those in coach is to ensure that dining, cafe, lounge, and dome cars are equally available to all.

Amtrak should consider expanding its network to include more routes and destinations. This would give travelers more options and make train travel a viable alternative to flying or driving. This is often a manner of "if you build it , they will come." Unfortunately, this type of capital investment often takes several years a lot of money invested up front in order to show a return on investment. This type of long-term strategic thinking is difficult for an organization who seem to be constantly lurching from one budget emergency to the next with no clear idea of future funding.

Amtrak should invest in upgrading its amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and lounge areas. Clean and well-maintained facilities can greatly enhance the overall travel experience.

Amtrak should prioritize excellent customer service, training its staff to be friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. A positive and attentive customer service experience can greatly enhance passengers' perception of their journey.

While Amtrak's passenger operations are supposed to take precedence over most freight shipments this is often not the case. Almost all of the trackage the Amtrak operates on is owned by the various freight railroads. And the train dispatchers are employed by the freight lines as well. This obvious conflict of interest often creates hours long delays in Amtrak's long-distance trains. Which leads to the final suggestion...

Too many cities have limited service and at very inappropriate times. Increasing frequency of service on these routes would do wonders to increase ridership.