Complaint with Amtrak Conductor

[NW cannonball]

I think the thing to remember is that changes do take time. People cant expect Amtrak to change overnight, it will happen in stages. Rome wasnt built in a day so to speak.

Some people have gotten into the habit of "I want things to change and I want it right now.". Patience is a virtue. The truth is, we dont know what changes are being made behind the scenes, and hopefully the good changes will start to be seen soon. I have hope that things will change for the better.

Ant

I could clean the toilet myself, like they do on Navy ships - it would be as clean - heh.

What are Sleeping Car Attendants supposed to do? For me they are just there - no help, no use, wish they didn't demand to lower the berth because I can do it myself, thanks.

No wonder they get grumpy - anyone useless gets grumpy after a while.

l let them arrange the bunk, not because I need it, because they are peones - you must pay them - a tiny bit - which is what they are paid.

It's a total throwback to the ages of slavery and serfdom and peones.

Of course they get grumpy after a while -- I just ignore em.

REALLY? :unsure:

I've done a lot of LD sleeper travel in the last couple of years and I have to disagree. SCAs do a heck of a lot and IMHO put up with some pretty bad pax. I've had some bad SCAs, but the majority have been quite good.

In my recent experience SCA's do very little. They surely DO deal with many bad pax from time to time. But for good pax there's not much for them to do. - like I said, open the juice box, start the coffee, relay the reservations to the diner.

Maybe clear the wet towels from the shower, sometimes clean the restrooms once per day. Or not. Spend 5 minutes per room "arranging the beds" when only a few impaired persons need help with that.

That's all.

 

[Ryan]

You've only scratched the surface of what a sleeping car attendant is supposed to be doing.

Read the Service Standards manual and you'll have a much better idea of what you should expect:

http://www.governmentattic.org/4docs/AmtrakServiceStandardsManual_2011.pdf

Pages 6-80 through 6-93 identify the duties of the Train Attendant-Sleeping Car.

 

[NW cannonball]

You've only scratched the surface of what a sleeping car attendant is supposed to be doing.

Read the Service Standards manual and you'll have a much better idea of what you should expect:

http://www.governmen...Manual_2011.pdf

Pages 6-80 through 6-93 identify the duties of the Train Attendant-Sleeping Car.

Oi - just started reading it - it sound like the Operating Rules but so dumbed down - at least most of the Rules for the Engineers have some usefulness -- and might be adhered to

all these quotes -- thanks for the joke -

' "Coffee service is to made available throughout the day" -- Never ever seen that - maybe for an hour in the morning which I always miss -

"provide the employee location" - who you kidding --

this is a joke -- yes?

Announce station stops -- yeah that usually happens

• When an en route delay occurs, passengers are to be notified immediately. If the Conductor does not make an announcement or the announcements are too infrequent, it is the TASC responsibility to keep passengers informed. hboy:

• Late boarding passengers will be allowed to board at any opening and then escorted to their car.

The TASC is to make a PA announcement welcoming everyone to the train and Amtrak.

Include your name, and advise the passengers that you will be personally contacting each passenger.

Include general information related to smoking policies, moving safely throughout the train and a recommendation to review the emergency evacuation card.

"Call button" is there such a thing? Never ever worked for me, ever - where is it --

But yes - you were joking of course --

"Answer Call bells promptly" -- hey I never had a clue those would work, and where are they anyway? Assumed it would be like on airplanes - "call button?" of course it won't work.

'

Whee- oh -- wiping tears from my eyes -

TOTALLY AMUSING - I really like science fiction and fantasy -- oh man -- thanks for that --

Actually the in-room toilets are usually clean -

So some of this specification usually gets done, some never gets done -

Amusing.

Thanks for the very good reference -- might try to use it some time. The important stuff gets done - mainly - most of the rest never happens -- OK.

 

[Ryan]

No, I wasn't joking.

"Call button" is there such a thing? Never ever worked for me, ever - where is it --

And lines like this make it impossible to take you seriously. Obviously the call button won't work of you never try to use it.

 

[VentureForth]

I think the thing to remember is that changes do take time. People cant expect Amtrak to change overnight, it will happen in stages. Rome wasnt built in a day so to speak.

Some people have gotten into the habit of "I want things to change and I want it right now.". Patience is a virtue. The truth is, we dont know what changes are being made behind the scenes, and hopefully the good changes will start to be seen soon. I have hope that things will change for the better.

Ant

That's right! It's only been 41 years. They are trying so hard and it's going to take time.

If MANAGEMENT would start by ESTABLISHING consistent service REQUIREMENTS on each train (particularly Business Class expectations), THEN they can start working on the employees.

I hope to see real progress by 2053.

 

[NW cannonball]

No, I wasn't joking.

"Call button" is there such a thing? Never ever worked for me, ever - where is it --

And lines like this make it impossible to take you seriously. Obviously the call button won't work of you never try to use it.

I have tried to use it - on the EB, Lakeshore, and Silver Star - it was a null button. Every time. Out of 6 trips on the EB one on the LSL one on the Star. Never tried it on other trains I've been on like the CL because it never ever worked for me. Ever. Is it supposed to alert the SCA that you want some help or info? Is that what it is for? or for what? Never done anything for me on any train I've been on. Last 3 trips (Nov 2011-Aug-2012) I've pressed it again, just for a joke -- really really tell me that this button is supposed to do anything and if so, what?

After the first 3 or 4 times it proves to be not connected - who's ever going to try it again?

I have always assumed, based on my personal experience, that that is one of the many buttons that don't work. And gave up on it, and don't care.

[Edit] suppose we should really define what this button is and where maybe I was pushing the wrong one all along.

 

[daveyb99]

:hi: Sorry ya'lls trip was ruined by such a lazy, uncaring person! :angry2: As others have said,this person was a Sleeping Car attendant, not the Conductor! Please call Amtrak Customer Relations (1-800-USA_RAIL). when the Computer answers ("Julie"), aks for "Agent", when the Agent answers ask to be transfered to Customer Relations and as was said, let them know about this exception to most Amtrak Adventures! We all hope this person is either retrained or let go, plenty of folks looking for jobs and we all can do our part to help rectify this kind of anomaly! Hope your meal and the rest of the Trip sort of made up for this jerk! ^_^

WOW -- talk about jumping to a conclusion.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

I have tried to use it - on the EB, Lakeshore, and Silver Star - it was a null button. Every time. Out of 6 trips on the EB one on the LSL one on the Star. Never tried it on other trains I've been on like the CL because it never ever worked for me. Ever. Is it supposed to alert the SCA that you want some help or info? Is that what it is for? or for what? Never done anything for me on any train I've been on. Last 3 trips (Nov 2011-Aug-2012) I've pressed it again, just for a joke -- really really tell me that this button is supposed to do anything and if so, what? After the first 3 or 4 times it proves to be not connected - who's ever going to try it again? I have always assumed, based on my personal experience, that that is one of the many buttons that don't work. And gave up on it, and don't care. Suppose we should really define what this button is and where maybe I was pushing the wrong one all along.

I think you have to leave the call button depressed so the SCA can see which room it's coming from when they wake up from their nap or return from hanging out in the diner or wherever they went. Otherwise they won't know the button was pressed and wont know which room it came from. The funny thing about the call button is that the only time it's actually necessary is when the SCA isn't doing their job in the first place. In which case they'll probably just ignore the call request as well, assuming they ever noticed it to begin with.

 

[NW cannonball]

I have tried to use it - on the EB, Lakeshore, and Silver Star - it was a null button. Every time. Out of 6 trips on the EB one on the LSL one on the Star. Never tried it on other trains I've been on like the CL because it never ever worked for me. Ever. Is it supposed to alert the SCA that you want some help or info? Is that what it is for? or for what? Never done anything for me on any train I've been on. Last 3 trips (Nov 2011-Aug-2012) I've pressed it again, just for a joke -- really really tell me that this button is supposed to do anything and if so, what? After the first 3 or 4 times it proves to be not connected - who's ever going to try it again? I have always assumed, based on my personal experience, that that is one of the many buttons that don't work. And gave up on it, and don't care. Suppose we should really define what this button is and where maybe I was pushing the wrong one all along.

I think you have to leave the call button depressed so the SCA can see which room it's coming from when they wake up from their nap or return from hanging out in the diner or wherever they went. Otherwise they won't know the button was pressed and wont know which room it came from. The funny thing about the call button is that the only time it's actually necessary is when the SCA isn't doing their job in the first place. In which case they'll probably just ignore the call request as well, assuming they ever noticed it to begin with.

Yeah -- I'm not even sure that I know what this "Call button" actually is - there were a few buttons in my roomette - some worked the lights - but "call button" - SCA "familiarizing me" with the "Call button" never has happened in the last 30 years for me.

I totally deny the existence of an so-called "call button" on any amtrak train and I challenge you, Ryan, or anyone else to demonstrate that such a thing even exists. Or, if there is such a thing, to describe it, and say what it might do, or not do, and how to find it and use it, if it exists, and if it has any function whatsoever , or alternatively, to testify that anyone, ever, anywhere, has used such a putative button for any purpose whatsoever, ever. Testimony from passengers, SCAs anyone. I don't believe that there is such a thing as a "call button", don't have a clue what it would do if it did exist, never seen a working one in the last 40 years of riding Amtrak. A so-called "call button" is a total fiction.

Please correct me if I'm wrong about this. I'm pretty sure there ain't no such thing.

 

[The Davy Crockett]

The funny thing about the call button is that the only time it's actually necessary is when the SCA isn't doing their job in the first place. In which case they'll probably just ignore the call request as well, assuming they ever noticed it to begin with.

What do you expect a SCA to do? :unsure: Pace up and down the hallway the entire run?

My experience is that the SCA is often either doing something work related, which includes chatting with their pax, or they are in their room when the call button goes off. I've seen some pax use the call button for almost every little thing - which is fine to a point - depending on the circumstances. I've seen some pax who can't even be bothered to look down the hall before hitting the call button. Should a requirement for a SCA be mindreader, as well? Many first time riders take a while to sort things out and I've seen many a SCA patiently help them, as well as the elderly, those with children, or other needs, get settled and comfortable. Not all, SCAs, to be sure, but a very clear majority. Then there are the SCAs that go above and beyond the call of duty, and maybe I'm just lucky, (or maybe I make my own luck ) but I've had more than a few top notch SCAs.

 

[Ryan]

I have tried to use it - on the EB, Lakeshore, and Silver Star - it was a null button. Every time. Out of 6 trips on the EB one on the LSL one on the Star. Never tried it on other trains I've been on like the CL because it never ever worked for me. Ever.

Yeah -- I'm not even sure that I know what this "Call button" actually is - there were a few buttons in my roomette - some worked the lights - but "call button" - SCA "familiarizing me" with the "Call button" never has happened in the last 30 years for me.

I totally deny the existence of an so-called "call button" on any amtrak train and I challenge you, Ryan, or anyone else to demonstrate that such a thing even exists.

So which is it? Does it not exist, or have you tried to use it and not had any success? The two statements are mutually exclusive.

 

[Bob Dylan]

All you have to do is look on the Control Panel in your Room and there IS a Button marked "Call ", its been there on every Room Ive ever been in and when used it makes a Pinging Noise that you can Hear as well as turning on a Light in the Hall by your Room and the Control Panel in the SCAs Room !(#1 on a Superliner, last Room on a Viewliner)There are also Call Buttons in the Restrooms, check it out! (It's also Easy to use this button by Mistake, especially in the Dark, so you can turn it off if you use it by mistake!) Trust us, it's there in Every Sleeper! (although not all SCAs respond for various Reasons, some even Legitimate!! <_< )

 

[NW cannonball]

I have tried to use it - on the EB, Lakeshore, and Silver Star - it was a null button. Every time. Out of 6 trips on the EB one on the LSL one on the Star. Never tried it on other trains I've been on like the CL because it never ever worked for me. Ever.

Yeah -- I'm not even sure that I know what this "Call button" actually is - there were a few buttons in my roomette - some worked the lights - but "call button" - SCA "familiarizing me" with the "Call button" never has happened in the last 30 years for me.

I totally deny the existence of an so-called "call button" on any amtrak train and I challenge you, Ryan, or anyone else to demonstrate that such a thing even exists.

So which is it? Does it not exist, or have you tried to use it and not had any success? The two statements are mutually exclusive.

If it exists - I've tried it with no success. Many many times - gave up on the thing. If I'm a moron, I got the wrong button. Do you think it exists? What does it look like - assuming you think it exists. I don't know if the thing I foolishly thought was a "Call button" was what it pretended to be or not.

So maybe I'm a fool, and thought the "call button" existed. I could have been delusional. Happens. No button in my roomette ever got the attention of the SCA on the 6 EB, LS, Silver rides that I mentioned. Ever.

If you think there is such a "call button" - tell me what it looks like. If you've ever ridden in a roomette on Amtrak. Just tell me what it looks like.

Then tell me, if you can, if you have ever operated it, how, when, and what happened. The button that seemed to me to be a "call button" did nothing at all - 6 trips on the Eb, one on the LSL, one on the Silver - that's what I've experienced.

So I've given up on using a worthless button. "Call button" - what is that supposed to mean? To me it means, as I said, button that does nothing.

\

Is that so hard to understand? On AMTRAK - "Call button" means -- button that does nothing. That's my experience. Not a problem, really - what should a "call button" do? I don't know and I don't care.

If you think there is such a button, describe it and tell us what might happen if you press it. That's all we want, a simple description of this button and what happens if anyone presses it.

I insist there's no such thing.

 

[NW cannonball]

So let me say it again in a different way. Is there supposed to be a "Call button" in Amtrak sleeping cars that alerts the SCA who will then come to the compartment where this imaginary "Call button" was pressed?

If there is, what does it look like? I ask you again - what does this "Call button" look like? Does anyone know?

I have pressed buttons that seemed to be such on my last 8 Amtrak trips - no effect within an hour.

So either I've been pressing the wrong button - and I would appreciate any help on finding a button that called the SCA - or else the button is broken. Or else --

But please - don't give me logical nonsense that I don't know what I've experienced. OK?

 

[Ryan]

Jim already described it perfectly.

 

[NW cannonball]

OK - seems that my sleeping rooms had this thing, and either it didn't work, or --

TURNS ONLIGHT IN THE HALL --

never worked, or I didn't care enough to follow through.

DUH.

Or maybe the SCA's never wanted to deal with me - I'm paranoid after all hboy:

Never asked for much.

Thanks

 

[rile42]

So let me say it again in a different way. Is there supposed to be a "Call button" in Amtrak sleeping cars that alerts the SCA who will then come to the compartment where this imaginary "Call button" was pressed?

If there is, what does it look like? I ask you again - what does this "Call button" look like? Does anyone know?

I have pressed buttons that seemed to be such on my last 8 Amtrak trips - no effect within an hour.

So either I've been pressing the wrong button - and I would appreciate any help on finding a button that called the SCA - or else the button is broken. Or else --

But please - don't give me logical nonsense that I don't know what I've experienced. OK?

I'll add one more thing to JimHudson's post, which was dead on correct. The button is very easy to find.....it's a different COLOR than the rest. It is amazing to me that not one of them, out of, as you claim, eight trips, ever worked. I very rarely use them, but have never had one not cause the ding nor not light the number outside my room.

Somehow, I detect a tinge of sarcasm.

 

[NW cannonball]

So let me say it again in a different way. Is there supposed to be a "Call button" in Amtrak sleeping cars that alerts the SCA who will then come to the compartment where this imaginary "Call button" was pressed?

If there is, what does it look like? I ask you again - what does this "Call button" look like? Does anyone know?

I have pressed buttons that seemed to be such on my last 8 Amtrak trips - no effect within an hour.

So either I've been pressing the wrong button - and I would appreciate any help on finding a button that called the SCA - or else the button is broken. Or else --

But please - don't give me logical nonsense that I don't know what I've experienced. OK?

I'll add one more thing to JimHudson's post, which was dead on correct. The button is very easy to find.....it's a different COLOR than the rest. It is amazing to me that not one of them, out of, as you claim, eight trips, ever worked. I very rarely use them, but have never had one not cause the ding nor not light the number outside my room.

Somehow, I detect a tinge of sarcasm.

Really - they work most of the time? News to me -

Amazing - didn't ever have one work on eight trips - just gave up on the things..

So much for anecdotal evidence - I'm obviously a case that was an outlier - and if you all hadn't responded (and thanks for responding!) I would have kept on believing that the damn things never worked and never would.

I can see it was hard for some to believe what happened to me on this totally minor issue - glad I confronted the web and AU - and glad you all gave me the straight dope.

Thanks to all .

 

[rile42]

So let me say it again in a different way. Is there supposed to be a "Call button" in Amtrak sleeping cars that alerts the SCA who will then come to the compartment where this imaginary "Call button" was pressed?

If there is, what does it look like? I ask you again - what does this "Call button" look like? Does anyone know?

I have pressed buttons that seemed to be such on my last 8 Amtrak trips - no effect within an hour.

So either I've been pressing the wrong button - and I would appreciate any help on finding a button that called the SCA - or else the button is broken. Or else --

But please - don't give me logical nonsense that I don't know what I've experienced. OK?

I'll add one more thing to JimHudson's post, which was dead on correct. The button is very easy to find.....it's a different COLOR than the rest. It is amazing to me that not one of them, out of, as you claim, eight trips, ever worked. I very rarely use them, but have never had one not cause the ding nor not light the number outside my room.

Somehow, I detect a tinge of sarcasm.

Really - they work most of the time? News to me -

Amazing - didn't ever have one work on eight trips - just gave up on the things..

So much for anecdotal evidence - I'm obviously a case that was an outlier - and if you all hadn't responded (and thanks for responding!) I would have kept on believing that the damn things never worked and never would.

I can see it was hard for some to believe what happened to me on this totally minor issue - glad I confronted the web and AU - and glad you all gave me the straight dope.

Thanks to all .

Too bad this topic hadn't come up 9 years ago or more when I was finishing my career as a high school math teacher. I could have used it as a very good example of "outliers" in my statistics unit. Of course, I doubt many of my students, if any, would have known about Amtrak.

 

[zephyr17]

So let me say it again in a different way. Is there supposed to be a "Call button" in Amtrak sleeping cars that alerts the SCA who will then come to the compartment where this imaginary "Call button" was pressed?

If there is, what does it look like? I ask you again - what does this "Call button" look like? Does anyone know?

I have pressed buttons that seemed to be such on my last 8 Amtrak trips - no effect within an hour.

So either I've been pressing the wrong button - and I would appreciate any help on finding a button that called the SCA - or else the button is broken. Or else --

But please - don't give me logical nonsense that I don't know what I've experienced. OK?

I'll add one more thing to JimHudson's post, which was dead on correct. The button is very easy to find.....it's a different COLOR than the rest. It is amazing to me that not one of them, out of, as you claim, eight trips, ever worked. I very rarely use them, but have never had one not cause the ding nor not light the number outside my room.

Somehow, I detect a tinge of sarcasm.

Really - they work most of the time? News to me -

Amazing - didn't ever have one work on eight trips - just gave up on the things..

So much for anecdotal evidence - I'm obviously a case that was an outlier - and if you all hadn't responded (and thanks for responding!) I would have kept on believing that the damn things never worked and never would.

I can see it was hard for some to believe what happened to me on this totally minor issue - glad I confronted the web and AU - and glad you all gave me the straight dope.

Thanks to all .

I've never had one not work. There have been times when the attendant didn't respond at all. I my experience most of the time they do respond, but it is not always, or even usually immediate. They may not be in the car, or busy with something else. But most of the the time they do respond within a 20 minutes or so.

But most of my trips have been on Superliners and mostly those buttons are straightforward switches. The touch panel in Viewliners may be more prone to failure and I've only ridden Viewliners 3 times and those times were back in the 90s when the cars were newer.

 

[jis]

I believe (and I am sure Alan will correct me if I am wrong) the call buttons in many Viewliners do not work because the requisite circuitry was somehow mixed up with that of the entertainment system, and when the entertainment systems got pulled the call button functionality went with them. Perhaps the functionality has been reinstated in some recent refurbs, but there are still many on which the call button does not work.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

The funny thing about the call button is that the only time it's actually necessary is when the SCA isn't doing their job in the first place. In which case they'll probably just ignore the call request as well, assuming they ever noticed it to begin with.

What do you expect a SCA to do? Pace up and down the hallway the entire run?

I expect the following services from the SCA.

1. Put my bed up/down.

2. Keep the drinks and ice stocked.

3. Keep the temperature reasonable.

4. Keep the restrooms clean and open.

5. Keep strangers from rummaging around for swag.

That's it.

If they can't do those things then I'll press the call button. But it's kind of rare that the SCA who can't find time to do these things can find the time to respond to the call button. So, after a half hour or so I'll give up and turn the call button off. If the bed is broken or the HVAC is inoperative or whatever then obviously I will not hold those things against them so long as they at least attempted to resolve the issue.

My experience is that the SCA is often either doing something work related, which includes chatting with their pax, or they are in their room when the call button goes off. I've seen some pax use the call button for almost every little thing - which is fine to a point - depending on the circumstances. I've seen some pax who can't even be bothered to look down the hall before hitting the call button. Should a requirement for a SCA be mindreader, as well? Many first time riders take a while to sort things out and I've seen many a SCA patiently help them, as well as the elderly, those with children, or other needs, get settled and comfortable. Not all, SCAs, to be sure, but a very clear majority. Then there are the SCAs that go above and beyond the call of duty, and maybe I'm just lucky, (or maybe I make my own luck ) but I've had more than a few top notch SCAs.

I am not new to Amtrak. I am not elderly. I am not traveling with children. I have no specific needs beyond the five expectations I've already mentioned. I can get settled and comfortable without any assistance. I should be among the easiest guests to keep happy. And several SCA's have managed to do just that. I often find myself leaving something on the order of twenty dollars per day, which I am led to believe is a rather healthy tip for someone who requests no meals to be delivered and does not require any help with their single carry-on sized luggage. Unfortunately there are still plenty of SCA's who can't be bothered to provide the level of assistance I outlined above. Some SCA's say they'll be happy to oblige any request to your face and then simply never lift a finger. Others may get defensive or even angry the moment you ask anything of them. You can withhold your tips. You can report these people. But if you ride often enough you will see them again and again year after year until they retire. That is my experience anyway.

 

[oregon pioneer]

I don't know about the SCAs (you see them over a period of time, so if they are consistently surly, it may just be the way they are), but maybe the dining car attendant was having a horrible hour or day. If you are up to it (it can be tough sometimes), you can try expressing sympathy about how tough it can be, and see if that brightens up their day, and that of everyone else who comes in contact with them! Life can be tough sometimes, and everyone can benefit from a boost (especially you and your fellow passengers, if it makes them nicer!).

 

[TimePeace]

I think the thing to remember is that changes do take time. People cant expect Amtrak to change overnight, it will happen in stages. Rome wasnt built in a day so to speak.

Some people have gotten into the habit of "I want things to change and I want it right now.". Patience is a virtue. The truth is, we dont know what changes are being made behind the scenes, and hopefully the good changes will start to be seen soon. I have hope that things will change for the better.

Ant

Yes.

 

[TimePeace]

The funny thing about the call button is that the only time it's actually necessary is when the SCA isn't doing their job in the first place. In which case they'll probably just ignore the call request as well, assuming they ever noticed it to begin with.

What do you expect a SCA to do? Pace up and down the hallway the entire run?

I expect the following services from the SCA.

1. Put my bed up/down.

2. Keep the drinks and ice stocked.

3. Keep the temperature reasonable.

4. Keep the restrooms clean and open.

5. Keep strangers from rummaging around for swag.

That's it.

If they can't do those things then I'll press the call button. But it's kind of rare that the SCA who can't find time to do these things can find the time to respond to the call button. So, after a half hour or so I'll give up and turn the call button off. If the bed is broken or the HVAC is inoperative or whatever then obviously I will not hold those things against them so long as they at least attempted to resolve the issue.

My experience is that the SCA is often either doing something work related, which includes chatting with their pax, or they are in their room when the call button goes off. I've seen some pax use the call button for almost every little thing - which is fine to a point - depending on the circumstances. I've seen some pax who can't even be bothered to look down the hall before hitting the call button. Should a requirement for a SCA be mindreader, as well? Many first time riders take a while to sort things out and I've seen many a SCA patiently help them, as well as the elderly, those with children, or other needs, get settled and comfortable. Not all, SCAs, to be sure, but a very clear majority. Then there are the SCAs that go above and beyond the call of duty, and maybe I'm just lucky, (or maybe I make my own luck ) but I've had more than a few top notch SCAs.

I am not new to Amtrak. I am not elderly. I am not traveling with children. I have no specific needs beyond the five expectations I've already mentioned. I can get settled and comfortable without any assistance. I should be among the easiest guests to keep happy. And several SCA's have managed to do just that. I often find myself leaving something on the order of twenty dollars per day, which I am led to believe is a rather healthy tip for someone who requests no meals to be delivered and does not require any help with their single carry-on sized luggage. Unfortunately there are still plenty of SCA's who can't be bothered to provide the level of assistance I outlined above. Some SCA's say they'll be happy to oblige any request to your face and then simply never lift a finger. Others may get defensive or even angry the moment you ask anything of them. You can withhold your tips. You can report these people. But if you ride often enough you will see them again and again year after year until they retire. That is my experience anyway.

The five items on your list are most reasonable. Not at all too much to expect, or at least hope for.

I also agree about the tipping. I am pretty self-tending - so if I don't get the service I am glad to save the $10-15/night that I tip a good SCA. I travel on a tight budget, and when I am able to afford a sleeper I am likely stretching the budget. So yeah, I roll with the poor service and figure I am getting a break. And if the service is good, I am happy too. What do we call that, win-win? With either outcome, my blood pressure stays nice and steady.

Happy trails (or is that happy tracks).