3.0
Pros: although the train was over an hour late the thruway bus was on time I had to wait 2 hours between the transfer from train to bus but because the train was late, that meant that I was able to spend more time in the Davis train station which is pleasant and less time in the Sacramento train station which is OK- although I would not want to spend time at the Sacramento train station after dark as a single woman. However Sacramento train station has a service where they will drive you to the right train station in their little white carts. Cons: To my surprise, the Amtrak train station in Redding is always closed so virtually non-existent. This means that the Amtrak bus shares space with Greyhound Buslines. However, there is no building where you can wait inside for your ride or pickup. The neighborhood is unsafe and the benches and area were occupied by homeless transients with drug and alcohol additions as well as mental health issues. As a single woman I was unsafe there. There were several drunks out cold on the benches. Fortunately, there was a security guard that stayed with me until my ride arrived but it is unlikely that I will take Amtrak again with this appalling environment/situation in Redding. There was another young woman that got off the Amtrak train with me and she was also fearful and wondering why there were no taxis available. According to a friend the Redding bus area is in a bad section of town. Amtrak should do something to remedy this unsafe situation. Especially as a single woman with luggage where I felt I was a target. I will be flying next time. Tips: Do not take the Thruway Amtrak Bus to Redding unless there is someone to meet you who will be on time and not late. I would not arrive there after dark. It is summer now so there was daylight when I arrived at 5:40pm but I do not recommend that time for Fall or Winter or early Spring. It is too dangerous and unpredictable an environment. Also the underground train corridors at the Sacramento Train Station can be confusing. They provide a service of transporting you and your luggage in little white carts 20 minutes before train departure. You sit on a designated bench inside the train station and they come get you. this is a great service especially for single women after dark.
