5.0
Pros: We loved our trip once we got on board in Solana Beach. Was relaxing and very comfortable. The train made up for lost time so that we got back into Salinas much earlier than expected after the debacle which started the day. Cafe car was a nice perk. it was a very enjoyable trip once on our way. Cons: As you have probably heard by now, many of us arrived at the Solana Beach Depot to discover after waiting a while that our train had been cancelled 2 days prior. None of us had been notified. Yet you had our contact info. Why would that happen? We were then attended to, in the station, by a woman named Karen, I believe her name was, who saved the day for most of us. She very calmly and competently made arrangements to get us all where we were going. She was reassuring and patient. Professional. She deserves recognition for she would be the one I would credit with lessening the damage to Amtrak's reputation. She was kind and caring to everyone and reassured us all that she would help us get where we were going. Amtrak absolutely needs to improve communication skills. This should never have happened. As a business, this is unacceptable and costs you riders. Keep Karen happy as she is your most valuable asset. Good people are essential to your success. And I should also compliment a woman who called me from Philadelphia to see that I was getting the help needed. I didn't get her name but she was checking with many of us to be sure we were being helped. So, a salute to the good women who did their jobs well. We plan to travel with Amtrak again so long as there are no more situations as described above. Our trip was very enjoyable but for that major faux pas. Tips: Check your train times often.









