Organizing for America | Joe Bell's Blog: Look at what our train system has fallen to

Look at what our train system has fallen to

By Joe Bell - Jan 13th, 2009 at 5:50 pm EST

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Tags: inaugration amtrak

It is wonderful that Amtrak is trying to help move people into and out of Washington for the inaguration. I have heard that lots of people have given up going because the other means of transportation are already sold out. So this effort on the part of our passenger rail is to be appreciated. But look at all the implied inadequate investments that we have been making over the years to make our passengers have to follow all the regulations below. It is a shame on America. And since this is a citizen owned railroad, it is a shame on everyone. We should try to improve the passenger rail enough that next time, in 2012, when we are coming to hear Obama's second inagural speach, these rules are laughably out of date.

January 20 Inauguration Day Travel and Security

Because of the large crowds expected, use of Washington Union Station will be limited to Amtrak, MARC and VRE passengers. Due to extraordinary security measures associated with inaugural events, as of early afternoon the food court and most retail shops in Washington Union Station will be closed. Please be mindful of the following:

Arrive at the station no earlier than one hour prior to your train's departure time.
Due to expected crowding and limited access to ticketing facilities at Union Station in the afternoon, pick up your roundtrip tickets (your inbound and return tickets) before you board your train for Washington. Don't chance missing your train home by getting caught in the crowds trying to get your return ticket.
Access to the station in the afternoon will be limited to select points of entry and much of the station will be closed to the general public. Follow special signage to reach boarding gates for MARC, VRE and Amtrak trains.
Special traffic patterns in Washington, D.C., and specifically in and around Washington Union Station will be in effect.
Your safety and security are paramount. Please be patient and follow the instructions of station personnel and law enforcement while boarding and detraining, and exiting and entering Union Station.
Due to the high volume of traffic expected, passengers on some trains may be asked to remain on board for a brief period prior to detraining to ensure the safe and orderly movement of passengers through Union Station.
Restroom facilities in the station are limited and will be extremely crowded, so consider using the restroom before detraining and before returning to the station for your return trip. Portable restrooms will be available outside the station.
The station's food court and most retail shops will be closed early afternoon; however, food service will be available aboard inbound and outbound Amtrak trains.
Amtrak cannot provide alternate transportation or accommodations in the event of a service disruption.
Pack lightly, as no lockers or storage facilities will be available in the station. A list of prohibited items from the inaugural event sites and locations is available on the District of Columbia inaugural Web site.

Heightened front-line and behind-the-scenes security measures will be taken in stations and aboard trains, and may include:

Amtrak Police officers and Mobile Security Teams
Federal, state and local law enforcement and anti-terrorism forces
K-9 units (please do not approach or pet police dogs)
Identification checks
Passenger, and carry-on and checked baggage screening

Passengers with disabilities and/or special needs should specifically request assistance when making reservations. In addition, please notify your conductor of any special needs.

Volunteers wearing high-visibility vests will also be on hand at Washington Union Station to assist you.

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