by atlantis
*please note* This topic is not intended to be confrontational. Just an observation and to see if others have experienced the same thing.
While leaving for Boston earlier this month after work, I waited on the Northbound (riverside) train platform
at the New London train station for the 11:39 pm train to Boston. (train no. 166) Those folks who are familiar with New London station know that the station has two side platforms and not a center one. The only way to cross between the platforms is to use the level crossing as there is no separate crossing for pedestrians. During the day and early evening, the station agent makes the announcement of which track the next train arrives several minutes in advance, thus giving the people time to cross to the riverside platform for the northbound trains. (keep in mind that you have to use the level crossing as New London and Mystic are the only stations on the NEC without a pedestrian bridge/tunnel) Now here is the rub: That station is no longer open or staffed after ten at night, The building is closed so you have to wait outside on the platform. Okay, not an issue in of itself. The thing is, there was a last minute track change and the northbound train arrived on the SOUTHBOUND track. The problem is that there was no announcement as the station is closed, not even an electronic/remote announcement of the track change and obviously could not cross the track when the train was coming. I had to hoof my luggage high overhead and board from the "wrong" side as a result and nearly got stranded. If there is something in the phone app that informs you of the track change, I am certainly not finding it. I wrote two emails to Amtrak and received a stock reply. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing in New London. I was the only passenger getting on that night and not even Amtrak police around.
While leaving for Boston earlier this month after work, I waited on the Northbound (riverside) train platform
at the New London train station for the 11:39 pm train to Boston. (train no. 166) Those folks who are familiar with New London station know that the station has two side platforms and not a center one. The only way to cross between the platforms is to use the level crossing as there is no separate crossing for pedestrians. During the day and early evening, the station agent makes the announcement of which track the next train arrives several minutes in advance, thus giving the people time to cross to the riverside platform for the northbound trains. (keep in mind that you have to use the level crossing as New London and Mystic are the only stations on the NEC without a pedestrian bridge/tunnel) Now here is the rub: That station is no longer open or staffed after ten at night, The building is closed so you have to wait outside on the platform. Okay, not an issue in of itself. The thing is, there was a last minute track change and the northbound train arrived on the SOUTHBOUND track. The problem is that there was no announcement as the station is closed, not even an electronic/remote announcement of the track change and obviously could not cross the track when the train was coming. I had to hoof my luggage high overhead and board from the "wrong" side as a result and nearly got stranded. If there is something in the phone app that informs you of the track change, I am certainly not finding it. I wrote two emails to Amtrak and received a stock reply. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing in New London. I was the only passenger getting on that night and not even Amtrak police around.
If Boston to Cape Cod rail service occurs in 2012 I will eat a jelly doughnut dipped in tomato sauce.