It is true that Amtrak can't "force" conductors to change their behavior. However by putting out a service update that sets out new requirements about reporting no shows in Sleepers, and for checking the EMD for discrepencies between expected passengers and tickets lifted, I believe that while it might not completely eliminate the issue, it should make a big difference.
It can't be lifted because the EMD won't allow lifting No Show business class or sleeper space. The EMD will allow lifting No Show coach space. After a certain amount of time though the coach space will become cancelled and that can't be lifted. I guess it is designed so that the premium space; sleeper, business class, first class space, can be resold if it is no show before it reaches it's destination. But you can call up and get it reinstated if you catch it before it is resold.
Oooh, can I get a copy?
Why in the world do they need to have you get into a particular coach? It's only seven stops and three cars. All that fuss is something that should be done after the passengers board and the train is on its way instead of needlessly delaying the train by extending station dwell.
This is only done in OKC, Norman southbound and FTW as there are only 2 Conductors for 3 cars (no Coach Attendants). Through pax are put in one Coach and Locals in another; so only 1 door has to be opened at the other stops, except Ardmore which is a smoke stop. The third Coach is used for overflow of through pax or large groups.
I have seen a family asked to wait in the PPC on the CS while the room was made up. No lack of the SA doing their job... about half the car "flipped" at Oakland and only having the one room left to make up after boarding was quite efficient.
Still I doubt very much that they'd cancel tickets not lifted by BBY, unless the train was very lightly loaded and they managed to lift the ticket of all of the 5 passengers on board by the time it enters the curve away from the Southampton Street Yard lead. It could happen I suppose!
Oh I don't think they are cancelling any tickets between BOS - BBY. Both times I was in the first car that the conductor was checking tickets in (right behind the lounge) and towards the front of the car. He checked maybe 1/4 of the car between BOS- BBY. But frankly I was surprised because I had never before even seen an attempt to check tickets that early before.Still I doubt very much that they'd cancel tickets not lifted by BBY, unless the train was very lightly loaded and they managed to lift the ticket of all of the 5 passengers on board by the time it enters the curve away from the Southampton Street Yard lead. It could happen I suppose!
I've had some pretty long segments that weren't lifted. I've talked to conductors about it, and they've generally told me don't worry about it. Riding CC, I can still get an eVoucher if the ticket isn't lifted or I can use it at a later date. I personally don't like to track unused tickets for use at a later date, so I'll almost get the eVoucher immediately. It just gets difficult to track. eVouchers show up clearly on my account. Unused rides kind of show up, but it's hard to tell. One time I had an unused ride that I didn't take three weeks earlier (completely missed the train), and I couldn't figure out exactly which one it was since I didn't take care of it immediately. I ended up searching my email account for the possible reservation number and about 10 minutes with Amtrak customer relations to try and get an eVoucher. I think I went over three or four possibilities before the agent figured out which one was still active.
