OK, with an L it makes sense. But if a station is a D (disembarking passengers only - no boarding allowed) and no one aboard is getting off, then why must it stop? :huh: No one can get on!
Well, upon further reflection, depending on how you parse the timetable footnote, I suppose a "D" stop could be skipped altogether. The footnote states: "Stops only to discharge passengers. Train may leave before time shown." My interpretation was that the train was required to stop, but may not board any passengers during the required stop. But I guess you could interpret that as meaning "the only time this train will stop is if there is a passenger getting off here." The latter does make more sense, and is hopefully observed by train crews.
Doesn't a D or an R exempt transferring passengers?
No, the exemption you are referring to is in timetable footnote #19, which states "Passengers not carried between this station and _______ except when connecting to/from other Amtrak trains." That footnote does not in and of itself confer "D" or "R" status on a station stop. If a stop is a "D" or an "R", then Amtrak's booking system will not permit you to override that designation even if you are connecting.
Oops waiting with others at an unstaffed station for a late 29. Train 48 came by at a walking pace and the conductor at the open Dutch door called out "anyone going eastbound?" He was met by a glum silence so did not stop.
Now this is now it should be done. Hopefully "Wilmington" did not find out.