Wigwag and Greg are 100% spot on.
I'll add that the differences aren't just train-to-train, there are differences in boarding and seating protocol from day to day (or more accurately crew to crew) on the same darn train, and also across different station.
This kind of BS lead straight to the allegations of racism last month because there is absolutey no rhyme or reason to how onboard affairs are conducted. I'm a railfan and I pay very close attention and I can barely figure it out. How on earth are normal paying customers supposed to figure this out? No kidding they feel targeted, slighted, and usually angered. I disagreed with the Baltimore Sun's analysis, but I don't disagree with Ms. Ifil's anger over the basic hassle of interfacing with officious jerks. She had a right to be frustrated.
WesternNation wrote: ↑Mon Mar 09, 2020 5:55 pm
A common station procedure may be challenging given the fact that the stations are typically not the same design. I'm not saying I disagree, but that should be something developed on the division level instead of nationally.
You're not wrong, but in my travel I've noticed you have a few types of stations:
1. Schizophrenic masterpieces - NYP
2. Big terminals - CHI, BOS, WAS
3. Nice stations - ALB, Anaheim, San Jose
4. Average stations - South Bend, Tukwila, Milwaukee Airport
5. Small stations with short platforms - Lawrence Kansas
Would it be that hard to develop five one-page PDF's that have a ten step procedure on how to do this? And enforce it? Heck you could probably narrow it down to three - Big, Medium, and Podunk.
It could address things like
1. Where to line up for each car and how early
2. How seats are assigned
3. How many doors are opened
4. Why are the cafe attendant and conductor talking over each other on the PA
5. When to use a step box
I know this is possible because the airlines do this over multiple size planes and airports. You can actually see the Delta people reading the procedure off their iphone while speaking over the PA.
It's not that hard if you give a s***.
The new Acela: It's not Aveliable.