The general tenor of responses may be predictable but I am curious enough to start a discussion here. What do you think Amtrak thinks of: 1) railfans in general and those who are dedicated to supporting the enterprise and the idea of quality train travel, 2) the RPA as an organization which while at times holds differing viewpoints, very much values Amtrak's existence and goes to bat for it daily in Washington and in many states, and 3) forums like this where the good, the bad and the very ugly are in full display. All three general groups have the means to influence their friends, family to travel and to some degree elected officials.
I am tempted to think the following: Amtrak management has little regard for true railfans and think of us as foamers, in the deragatory manner. I believe they find RPA to be a royal PITA (I guess most lobbying groups are to a degree) and give lip service if anything to the group. In regard to this forum, just a question: do they every actually monitor us to get a pulse on what the grassroots are thinking, and then walk away thinking we are weirdos? If we qualify as grassroots. I was once told directly by a very knowledgeable and respected rail journalist that if one ever applies for a job at Amtrak, do not admit to being a railfan as it would be a sure path to being dinged. But for context, that was many years ago and there may be exceptions to that among members here.
I work for a very large Fortune 200 company that operates in a very different realm, and I am certain that much of the public believes we don't give a rat's patoot (as Col. Potter used to say) about what they think. I am privy enough to know the reality: My company cares very deeply what customers think, especially in this age of social media. The execs may or may not act because the company performance is still the bottom line, but it does matter to them that customers are deftly communicated with and in very many instances their issues are resolved satisfactorily. I have a sinking feeling that Amtrak does not think that way, though Guest Relations act on occasion with credits. And to be fair, perhaps the return of traditional dining in the west and the potential of a modified version in the east may be an example of Amtrak actually listening. I guess they listened to somebody on that but there's so much else left on the table and I seriously question that the details matter to them.
Enough rambling from one who disdains long posts. Thoughts?
I am tempted to think the following: Amtrak management has little regard for true railfans and think of us as foamers, in the deragatory manner. I believe they find RPA to be a royal PITA (I guess most lobbying groups are to a degree) and give lip service if anything to the group. In regard to this forum, just a question: do they every actually monitor us to get a pulse on what the grassroots are thinking, and then walk away thinking we are weirdos? If we qualify as grassroots. I was once told directly by a very knowledgeable and respected rail journalist that if one ever applies for a job at Amtrak, do not admit to being a railfan as it would be a sure path to being dinged. But for context, that was many years ago and there may be exceptions to that among members here.
I work for a very large Fortune 200 company that operates in a very different realm, and I am certain that much of the public believes we don't give a rat's patoot (as Col. Potter used to say) about what they think. I am privy enough to know the reality: My company cares very deeply what customers think, especially in this age of social media. The execs may or may not act because the company performance is still the bottom line, but it does matter to them that customers are deftly communicated with and in very many instances their issues are resolved satisfactorily. I have a sinking feeling that Amtrak does not think that way, though Guest Relations act on occasion with credits. And to be fair, perhaps the return of traditional dining in the west and the potential of a modified version in the east may be an example of Amtrak actually listening. I guess they listened to somebody on that but there's so much else left on the table and I seriously question that the details matter to them.
Enough rambling from one who disdains long posts. Thoughts?