Passenger Trains > Gotta Love VRE

#1 in Customer Communications.

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Train Talk
February 12, 2004
3:20pm

Temporary Consist Change to Fredericksburg Line Train #307

The train that normally operates as Train #307 (departing Union Station at 4:45p) is experiencing mechanical difficulties. As a result, train #307 will operate with train #309's consist. However, this will reduce train #307's capacity from 846 to 785 seats. Should the mechanical problems continue, other train sets may be shifted around on the Fredericksburg line, possibly causing some crowded conditions on later trains as well. We will keep you updated as conditions warrant.
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What other carrier send an alert for a one-day capacity consist change?

You are so right. They even follow up with messages fully explaining service problems. I've seen instances where they screwed up, and they are completely honest about it and apologize. Not to mention their liberal use of free-ride certificates. Amtrak could really learn a lesson from these guys, but they won't.

SEPTA could learn something from this, too. But it would just make too much sense to them.

"...SEPTA could learn from this", That would assume the people in charge of operations over there knew something about customer service and/or railroading (which we know to be false).

Ok, cheap shot I'll admit it. Just the frustrations of daily commuting coming out.

Steve