A Newsletter for Employees

VOLUME 2-ISSUE 17 DECEMBER 15, 1973 service upgraded for winter season Amtrak's new December 14 Florida schedule is much more than a timetable change. Months of planning and co­ ordination between virtually all Amtrak departments have gone into what amounts to major improvements encom­ passing almost every area of passenger service. During the winter season, all Florida trains will have an on-board Service Director to supervise service crews and all se rvice activities. A PSR (P asse nger Service Representa­ ti ve ) will al so be o n-board t he Sil ve r Meteor, Silver Star and Floridian to ass ist passe ngers and run specia l enter­ tainment programs . Several food service " extras" have been instituted for the dura tio n of the winter season . Each day o n-board all ticket office opens Florida t rain s w ill beg in with wake-up complimentary coffee and orange juice in Coac h and Sleeper Lounges. An in philadelphia aftern oon " Hospitality Hour" in both Diners features coffee and orange juice. Champagne punch is served in story, page 2, column 3 Coach and Sleeper Lounges late each afternoon . After din­ ner m ints are avail ab le in all Dinners. Coffee and sand­ • • w iches m ay be purchased all night in the Tavern/ Lounge. energy criSIS Sil ve r Meteor and Silver Star Dining Cars will have fresh f lowers on t he tables every day. An " early bird" dinner helps ridership spec ial w ill be served on both trains from 4:00 p .m . to 6:00 p. m . (in t he forward Diner only on the ) . Amtrak ridership, already running about 11% above Passe ngers choose between London Broil and Baked 1972, is getting an extra boost upward from the current energy crisis. Chicken entrees. Entree plus whipped potatoes, vegetable, Every Amtrak reservation center in the country cur­ roll and butter, ice cream sundae, and beverage is $2.75 for rently is experiencing a call volume exceeding last sum­ aduits, $1.25 for chiidren. Menus changed on all Florida routes (with the exception mer's peak volume. Nationwide, calls increased from of the Silver Meteor) October 24. On December 14, menus 700,000 in October to over 900,000 in November. And there was no significant decrease in nationwide call for the Silver Meteor, Amtrak's premier Florida train, were volume after the Thanksgiving holiday. Total calls were expanded. averaging 53,000 a day during the first week of December Colorful brochures for the Floridian and Silver Meteor/ compared to 44,600 during the peak summer season . Silver Star inform passengers of special on-board entertain­ At Bensalem, Pa., headquarters for the Northeast Cen­ ment this winter. There is free popcorn for passengers who tralized Reservations Center, calls were averaging 15,000 attend night movies in the Floridian and Silver Meteor Rec­ per day in October. By mid-November, they had reached reation Cars. On the Floridian, there's a special "Children's 27,000 per day-approximately 5 years ahead of projected Hour" in the Recreation Car with cartoons, bingo and a call volume. Hallmark "Choo-Choo" game. The Reservation Center received 29,000 calls PSRs will supervise a variety of games and prizes in the during the week of October 29-November 2. The number Si Iver Meteor and Floridian Recreation Cars and in the rose to 56,000 November 19-25 and according to Cope Silver Star's Tavern / Lounge. There's also a fashion show Sholler, the center's CRO General Supervisor, there has on the Meteor and live entertainment-guitar and banjo been little reduction in volume after the Thanksgiving players-on the Silver Star. Floridian Coach passengers re­ holiday. ceive complimentary blankets; coach passengers on all Thirty-six additional reservations personnel have been Amtrak Florida-bound trains receive complimentary (Continued on page 3, col. 1.) pillows. (Continued on page 6, col. 3.) cards feature florida stations UNION STATION nashville station Nashville, Te nn. upgraded Preparation for December 14 Flori­ Union Station Nashville, Tennes­ da schedule changes involved much see is the coverpiece on cards cur­ more this year than Amtrak's normal rently being sold by the Tennessee seasonal upgrading of equipment chapter of the National Railroad His­ and services . In addition to readying torical Society. Proceeds from the the trains themselves for the peak sale will be used to transform former travel season , several stations along Tennessee Central Business Car #101 the route of the Floridian and most into a railroad museum for the Nash­ stations south of Richmond on the ville area. The car was donated to the East Coast Florida routes received National Railroad Historical Society some degree of repair work. in 1971 by the Louisville & Nashville Louisville, Ky. , Bowling Green , (L&N) Railroad . Ky. , Birmingham , Ala., and Dothan, Ala., stops on the Floridian , all re- The 73-year-old Union Station is ceived repairs ranging from paint and known for its striking gothic architec- new light fixtures to replacing a ture. Lover drawing (right) by Don - b,,-..,.-;c •..;,, --'---- ~~~~::Z:~$~~:=j -- fic Ket office ceiling . The mostexten­ Ford of Mount Joliet, Tennessee. sive work was done at Dothan, Ala. , where tile floors were replaced and a new ticket window installed. tour florida on allltrak Alon g East Coast Florida routes, (Co ntinued on page 4, col. 1.) This winter in addition to offering An Amtrak Florida vacation this service to most major Fl o rida vaca­ winter can be as short and eventful as new ticket office tion spots , Amtrak has created a wide a three-day, two-night " Gadabout". variety of economical tour packages Pac kage includes hotel accommoda­ in philadelphia to sati sfy the interests of most Flori­ tions for two nights; a welcome cock­ Amtrak opened a new ticket office da~bound vacationers. Beach, tail; an air-conditioned, automati c in downtown Philadelphia December Walt Disney W orld, Cape Canaveral, car with unlimited mileage, and ad­ 3 designed to increase passenger con­ Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft . Lauder­ mission to Walt Disney W orld for one venience in one of the busiest rail dale, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach day including twelve major attrac­ passenger cities. Philadelphia is and Clearwater Beach are among the tions. Priced from $45 for double ac­ served by nearly 100 Amtrak trains many possible Florida destinations. commodation s. daily. There's even a Caribbean-South The fam ily version of the "Gad­ The new office, located on the America cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. about" also offers an air-conditioned Plaza level at Penn Center Plaza, Amtrak's "Florida Triangle" pack­ car with unlimited mileage. "Family 17th and Market Streets, offers com­ age offers nine days in central Flori­ Fling" accommodations are air­ puterized reservations and ticketing. da-priced from $269 (rail fare not conditioned suites which sleep up to Passengers who have made reserva­ included). Package includes 6-nights six _with full kitchen, tablewar.e and tions via Amtrak's toll-free reserva­ accommodations, tips and transferS, cookware, and color television . Free tion and information number (800- most breakfasts and dinners, and all local phone service and use of a 523-5720) and have specified they sightseeing and admissions. Vaca­ swimming pool. From $70. will pick up the ticket at the new of­ tioners spend two nights each at fice, can expect a prepared ticket Another car-pi us-accom modations Clearwater Beach, Daytona Beach upon their arrival . Tickets for the package is known as "The Wan­ and Walt Disney World. Available entire Amtrak system are available. derer". It includes an air-conditioned every Saturday from Jan. 26-Decem­ Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , car with unlimited mileage; admis­ ber 28,1974. Monday through Friday with a staff sion to Walt Disney World for two The "Florida Tradewinds" vacation of six Amtrak employees on duty. A days with eight major attractions is priced from $269 for thirteen days. travel planning desk is also available each day, and tours of the Kennedy Price includes hotel accommoda­ in the office. A passenger conven­ Space Center, Marineland, Six Gun tions for ten nights; all breakfasts ience area with Amtrak travel litera­ Territory, and Cypress Gardens. Also, and dinners plus several luncheons; ture on display has been included in three nights accommodations in all gratuities and taxes at hotels and the center. Walt Disney World, one night in St . restaurants. (Rail fare not included). The new ticket office is the third Augustine and one night in Silver Vacationers spend three nights in Or­ Philadelphia location offering Am­ Springs. From $150 for a double. lando; three nights in Ft. Lauderdale trak tickets exclusively. Passengers and four nights in Key West. "Florida Holland America, S.S. Statendam may also purchase tickets at 30th Tradewinds" vacations are available Street and North Philadelphia every Friday until June 21,1974. (Continued on page 3, col. 1.) stations.

2 • • energy crisIs (Continued from Page 1) on the track hired and trained for the Chicago Reservations Center. They began taking calls December 4th . Systemwide, an ad­ ditional 100 persons were hired to begin reservations and information training in early December and should be on the job by Christmas . Bensalem is accelerating the built-in expansion capabili­ ty of its computerized ARTS (Amtrak Reservation & Ti cket­ ing) System . Additional consoles are being wired in and additional telephone lines installed in anticipation of the Roger Lewis Christmas increase in volume. Amtrak added all available equipment in preparation for the heavily traveled Thanksgiving holiday and is planning similar additions for the Christmas season . The number of As the Holiday Season and Amtrak's third Christmas cars added varied by day depending upon the demand draw near, we can share a substantial measure of satisfac­ expected. On Wednesday, November 21, the heaviest traveled day of the 4-day weekend, 179 extra coaches w ere tion and pride. We have made a good beginning. added to conventional equipment in the Northeast But, as we prepare to meet the peak loads of the hol­ corridor along with three extra trains carrying a total of 36 idays , we should also resolve to meet the continuing c hal­ cars . lenges of the nation's most serious energy c risi s. This During the holiday weekend , Empire Serv ice (New York­ situation will increasingly test our resolve to meet the Buffalo) carried 12 additio nal cars . In t he Northeast, the country's growing and recognized need for a retu rn to rail­ capacity of ten metroliners was increas ed 50 % by expand­ road passenger serv ice. ing normal 4-car consists to 6-car. Numerous additional Ameri can s are re turning to rail se rvice by t he thousands cars were added to Midwest trains, and 32 extra coaches because of their basic transportation needs, and needs were added to trains operating from Ch icago westward. enge ndered by the energy shortage . To keep them , we The passenger t rai n , especially on short and interme­ must give t hem servi ce. diate ru ns has high potential in efficient use of en ergy. Th is is the message of this Ho liday Season . I feel that Diesel locomotives and turb ine-powered trains use fue l o il, Amtrak can m eet this c hallenge. During 1973 the United less costly and less highly refined than automobile States Congress agai n supported Amtrak and the President gasoline, and consume muc h less than half as much fuel added his support by signi ng that legislation into law. per passenger mile as a ful ly loaded automobi le and less During 1973 the American people came back to the trains than 20 per cent as much f uel per passenger mile as a jet as never before - reversing the downward trend of a whole airliner. generatio n . During 1973 we have had the support of our More favorable from an energy standpoint are Amtrak's member railroads and of thousands of their dedicated em­ electric-powered trains which operate in the densely ployees. And to all of them , we extend our heartfelt populated . Nearly half of all Amtrak's t han ks. passengers ride in trains which can derive their energy But, as President of Amtrak, as another member of this from coal, water or atomic power as well as liquid fuels. good team of whic h you are a most important part, I wish to thank you , and all of our fellow Amtrak employees, most heartily for all you have done this year. Our first years have been those of preparation and of overcoming lour Oorida (Continued from Page 2) monumental obstacles. Our next years will see this effort put to the test. ten-day cruise to the Caribbean and South America is an I have the utmost faith in all of you . May you all have a exciting package. Sailing from December '73 to March '74, truly merry Christmas and a new year of peace, comfort Statendam packages are priced from $415. Includes stops and fulfillment. at Willemstad, Curacao; La Guaira (for Caracas) Venezuela; St. George' s, Grenada; Fort-de-France, Marti­ nique, and Charlott Amalie, St. Thomas. The Staten dam is ~

3 florida stations on-the-iob training offered (Continued from Page 2) every station south of Richmond, Va . in pilot sales trainee program with the exceptions of Petersburg, Va., Winter Park , Fla ., and Tampa, Amtrak's pilot group of six Sales Sam Johnston , Amtrak's Distri ct Fla . underwent some degree of repair Trainees already are proving to be Sales M anager for the Mid-Atlanti c work. Aside from paint, new light such a valuable addition to the cor­ Region , is Coordinator for the pilot fixtures, drapes, air conditioning, poration that plans are underway for Sales Trainee program . Mr. Johnston outdoor floodlights and p.a . systems, as many as four similar trainee is enthusiastic about the ca libre of the most major work involved con­ groups next year. the trainees and the contribution struction of partitions to separate Last summer, Amtrak's Sales they will make to Amtrak. He feels Amtrak ticket offices from freight Department advertised in most major that the knowledge they are gaining operations . Partitions were built for cities for young, educated people during their training program will Sanford, Fla ., St. Petersburg, Fla ., with an interest in sa les and the trans­ prove invaluable when they receive Rocky Mount, N.C., and Fayetteville, portation field who would be free to their permanent assignments . N .C relocate anywhere in the country. Timothy Barger, a University of· Most of the station repair work was After more than sixty candidates Baltimore graduate in business ad­ completed by December 14, start of were pre-screened by the Personnel ministration , will be assigned to the the new Florida schedules. The re­ Department, Roger Brown, Director sales office in Seattle, Wash . E. Dale mainder should bec6mpletea by of sales, chose six individuals fo r Brow n will become an Analyst in the January 1. Amtrak is also installing Amtrak's first group of Sales sales department headquarters . Mr. new Amtrak identification si gns at all Trainees . Brown has h is masters in business stations along Florida routes. October 1, the six trai nees began a ad ministration from Madison Col­ Also, a new Amtrak station is 90-day special training program lege. Helen Grace, a graduate of scheduled to open in Jacksonville in designed to give future professional the University of North Carolina in early January and the Miami Beach and management personnel a first­ English, will be assigned to the sales City Ticket Office has been re­ hand working knowledge of Amtrak's office in Miami, Fl a. A graduate of decorated . Painted blue and white, Marketing Department. Accord in g to Hampden Sydney College, Curtis the ticket office's major addition is a Roger Brown , the training program Miller will be assigned to the New red short counter which provides consisted of a se ri es of in-depth-on­ York sales office. Martti Vallilla, a customers with a sit down travel the-job assignments intended to ac­ journalism graduate from Stanford desk. tively involve the trainees in the work Unive r s ity ~ who has worked as a Ser­ process . v ice Attendant on the / new pentagon For example, t o ga in a better Washingtonian , will become a sales knowledge of Amtrak's advertising representative in Denver, Colo. A ticket office and sales promotion process, two graduate of Florida Tec hnologi cal By mid-January the Pentagon will Sales Trainees manned the Amtrak University in marketing, Larry have its own Amtrak ticket office - booth at the Washington, D .C Ski Whitacre will become Sales Manager one of the most compact and attrac­ Show. Trainees helped the Tour at Portland, Ore. tive Amtrak has built to-date. Development Department put to­ The two-man operation will be gether a new Montreal package tour. located on the Pentagon's concourse They made .actual military and gov­ and will include a CRT unit and tele­ ernment sales calls; travel agent and ski canada type to provide instant ticketing and commercial account sales calls at via amtrak confirmation of reservations . A back­ district sales offices, and made tele­ lighted Amtrak arrow forms the back­ phone sales calls to potential sources With fuel shortages making ski drop for the ticket counter which will of Express revenue resulting in d estinations like Canada almost out be done in white with red floor and several new accounts for Amtrak. of the ques tion for automobile wall carpeting. The ticket office's To give them as broad a service travelers, this is the season East Coast most unique feature will be a 8' by 3' background as possible, trainees ski enthusiasts should take ad­ Amtrak display panel for schedules served as crew members on the Mont­ vantage of Amtrak's Montrealer/ and brochures. The display panel realer/Washingtonian ; worked in Washingtonian service. In addition, may also be used to advertise Am­ Grand Central Station and Penn Sta­ Amtrak in conjunction with TOUR­ trak's military oriented service. tion, New York, and in the Washing­ CAN of Montreal is offering tour The new Pentagon Ticket Office ton, D.C Commissary. They helped packages to three prime Canadian ski symbolizes the close association man ticket offices in Washington, areas: the Laurentians, Sutton , and between the Department of Defense D .C and New York . They also had the Quebec City. Most packages include and Amtrak in making rail passenger opportunity to visit Bensalem , Pa ., transportation between the train service conveniently available to headquarters for Amtrak's Northeast station and accommodations. more than 35,000 Department of Centralized Reservations Center, and Packages to six locations in the Defense employees in the Pentagon observe the computerized reserva­ Laurentians (Mont-Gabriel, Mont- building. tion and information process. (Continued on page 5, col. 1.)

4 Center in his area (Bensalem, Los Angeles, Chicago, New ski canada (Continued from Page 4) York City or Jacksonville) via a special telephone number Tremblant, Ste-Adele, Ste-Agathe, Ste-Marguerite and Val used only for OS reports. David) include accommodations for six nights and seven At the Centralized Reservations Centers, OS data is pro­ days on the modified american plan (breakfasts and din­ grammed into the computer and can be retrieved from any ners) . Also included are ski lifts, group lessons, and special reservation position within 5-10 minutes after receipt. apres-ski activities organized by each hotel. Transfers are Reservations & Information Agents simply type into their provided between Canadian National ("Center") Station in console the identifying code for OS information; the Montreal and accommodations. Prices start at $206 for a train's number and date of origin and immediately receive double room. on their screen the latest departure information available. Basic package for Sutton, the ski area east of Montreal, In addition, agents may ask the computer for that day's includes six nights accommodations on the modified matrix for each train , showing all the train's stops and ac­ american plan and special hotel-organized free activities. tual departure times. Matrix information for three previous However, two variations of the basic package may be ob­ days is stored in the computer and also instantly available tained: a full package with ski lifts and 20 hours of ski les­ to the agents. Each day's OS information is printed as an sons, and a package with lifts and no lessons included. The update to a bulletin which is kept at ARTS headquarters in basic package (with two persons occupying one room) Washington as a record of train operations starts at $111; basic package plus lifts only starts at $144, According to AI Mess, Systems Analyst at head­ and the full package with lifts and lessons costs $158. All quarters Washington, D .C., the major OS problem to be packages include transportation between Canadian Na­ so lved is the non-reporting status of some stations, caused tional ("Center") Station and accommodations. primarily by their being closed when some trains arrive and Quebec City packages include six nights and seven days depart. Mr. Mess is pleased that the OS program has been accommodations on the m odified american p lan; ski lifts w ell received at the local level because "its success and special free activities at each hotel. Many also include depends to a large degree on the daily cooperation of local group lessons. Prices range from $126 for a double bed­ station services personnel." room . Transfers are provided from the Quebec City bus or train station to accommodations. Transportation between Montreal and Quebec City can be obtained via hourly bus station & on board service servi ce or on Canadian Pacific's 1:30 train from Windsor Station (only two blocks from Canadian National Station employees ioin amtrak where Amtrak's Montrealer/Washingtonian arrives and departs.) 1973 was a year of progress for Amtrak, particularly Skiiers have plenty of time in which to take advantage of towards our goal of direct employment of on-board ser­ the Montrealer/ Washington ian and Amtrak/TOURCAN ski vice and station personnel. packages. The Province of Quebec is famous for its long In 1973, 103 stations with a total of 1,109 employees ski seasons from four and one-half months (early came under direct Amtrak management. Approximately December until late March) to as much as five months of twelve stations remain under consideration for possible skiing on slopes that average more than three feet of snow. Amtrak "takeover." The program should be completed by Besides excellent ski conditions, Quebec Province is famous for ice hockey, curling, skating, tobogganing, dog­ May 1, 1974. sledding, snow sledding and motor sledding. The station takeover process involves an initial survey by Amtrak of each facility and the functions of current per­ os program gives passengers sonnel. A work load analysis is made to determine if the station is being properly staffed and plans are made to in­ arrival & departure info crease staffing if appropriate. Next a "letter of intent" is sent to the railroad involved informing the railroad of the Amtrak station services personnel and members of par­ planned Amtrak takeover and giving about 60 days lead ticipating railroads who are engaged in local passenger ser­ time. Notices of the impending Amtrak takeover are vices are cooperating with Amtrak's reservations system to posted on station premises. To-date close to 100% of the provide our passengers with up-to-the-minute arrival and station personnel involved in Amtrak takeovers have departure information. chosen to come with Amtrak. The railroads are required by The OS (Operation Status) program began last July 9 law to protect the few who do not for a maximum of six covering major East Coast trains with the exception of years. Usually, those few employees who do not JOin Washington-Boston corridor trains. It was expanded Sep­ Amtrak are simply reassigned to the same location in a tember 15 to include the west bound portion of trains origi­ freight capacity. nating in Chicago. It is scheduled to take in the entire sys­ tem by early next year when the ARTS (computerized Am­ Prior to takeover, Amtrak's Personnel Department sends trak Reservations & Ticketing) System will be completed. an individual or team (depending upon station size) to the At the local, station level, the Manager of Station Ser­ station to interview its employees who subsequently sub­ vices or a member of his staff observes and logs the arrival mit Amtrak employment applications which are approved and departure time of each train. He immediately tele­ by station takeover date. phones this information into the Centralized Reservations (Continued on page 6, col. 1.)

5 employees 5 Y2 million view amtrak commercial

(Continued from Page 5) Illustrating the tremendous viewers that " although every winter Assuming direct employment of "reach" of television advertising, Amtrak carries more and more on-board service personnel is similar three 30-second Amtrak commercials people to Walt Disney World Florida to the station takeover process. Al­ were viewed by approximately 5.5 vacations, there are a lot of other most 1,000 on-board service person­ million American homes on Satur­ places on the Amtrak vacation map." nel became a part of Amtrak in 1973. day, December 1st during the Disney The commercial mentioned just a On June 10, 616 employees of the World Golf Classic. few of the many possible Amtrak Burlington Northern and Milwaukee Two of the Amtrak commercials vacation destinations: Canada, New Road Railroads joined Amtrak. stressed the advantages of Amtrak's England or Colorado skiing, Califor­ November 1 was the takeover date Week of Wheels program to Walt nia sun bathing. It stressed that for 122 Illinois Central Gulf Disney World and other Florida des­ "wherever you're planning a winter employees and December 1 for 138 tinations. (For purchase of three or vacation, remember you' ll see more Floridian employees (mostly Penn more full round-trip New York-Miami and spend less with Amtrak." Central and SCL personnel). Seventy or Chicago-Miami fares, Amtrak The three commercials were C&O/B&O on-board service em­ offers use of a A-Universal Rent-A­ filmed in conjunction with the ployees joined Amtrak December 10. Car for a week at any of eight Florida Hughes Sports Network which pro­ Nationwide, the remaining 2,230 destinations. Two round-trip fares duces and- packages sports programs on-board service personnel-mem­ and $21.00 or two and one-half fares and distributes them locally. Ray bers of SC L, SP / UP, Santa Fe and and $10.50 also entitle passengers to Scott, well known sports announcer Penn Central Railroads-are sc hed­ a Week of Wheels car.) for CBS and the Hughes Network, was uled to come under Am trak man­ A third commerc ial reminded f eatured in t he Amtrak commercials. ageme nt by May 1,1974. With each takeover, Amtrak has instituted a new, more flexible system of on-board service c rew new baggage winter season uti I ization . The o ld on-board se rvice policy (Continued from Page 1) categories of W aiter, Sleeping Car A t­ tendant and Coach Car Attendant are December 1 m arked t he beginning Co inciding with the upgrading of merged into o ne general classifica­ of several important inno vations in Flo rida t rain on-board services is a tion - Service Attendant. Service A t­ Amtrak's handling of baggage. O n stat ion repair program at most East tendants (with the exception of t hose t hat d at e, Amtrak instituted n atio n­ Coast Florida stations and several sta­ assigned to Sleeping Cars) may rotate w ide free baggage service. In addi­ t ions along the route of the Floridian their area of assignment on the t rain t io n , phase one o f a new expedited (story page 2, col. 3). In addition, free from one trip to the next-function­ red cap service w ent into effect at baggage service was instituted De­ ing on one trip in a Coach, the next in Florida statio ns f ro m Jac ksonvi lie to cember 1 along with a special ex­ the Diner, etc. In case of emergency, Miami . pedited red cap service at Florida sta­ a Service Attendant may be moved Free redcap se rvi ce w as t ri ed on an tions south of Jacksonville. (story from one position to another on a experimental basis in Los Angeles last page 6, col. 2) particular trip. ., July. It proved so successful with pas­ Staffing at stations along Florida A second new Amtrak category, sengers and redcaps alike that redcap train routes was reviewed prior to "Food Specialists", work behind the charges were abolished progressively December 14 to insure the availabili­ scenes on food preparation . They are at all Western Region stations. ty of adequate baggage, red cap and the equivalent of railroad "Cooks." Under a new expedited redcap ser­ in-station service for an expected In addition, some trains like the vice, a porter or car attendant will increase in passengers. Both station and the Super ask the passengers in his car just prior and on-board service personnel com­ Chief have Maitre d's to supervise the to arrival at their destination if they pleted an intensive train ing program quality of service in the Dining Car. want redcap service to the station's prior to the start of Florida winter Also, there are on-board Service taxi stand. If service is requested, he season involving a review of each Directors on trains to supervise the will put a redcap check on their lug­ position's duties and customer rela­ management of all on-board service gage and hand passengers a claim tions techniques. Tariffs; timetables; functions . check. Upon arrival at their destina­ mail, baggage and express regula­ Amtrak's new on-board service tion station, passengers can proceed tions and basic sales promotional in­ categories have been in existence for directly to the taxi stand to claim formation like " Week of Wheels" some time on the Montrealer/Wash­ their baggage. There will be no and Florida tour programs were re­ ingtonian and the Inter-American charge for this expedited service. viewed with station personnel. and have proved quite successful. April 1, 1974 this expedited redcap To insure the success of Amtrak's In addition to station and on-board service will be expanded from Florida newly instituted Florida service service employees, Amtrak took over stations to all stations in the Eastern features, special Train Observors will and consolidated eight commissaries Region. It will be available nation­ be riding all Florida trains for two in 1973 with a total of 93 employees. wide June 1, 1974. weeks beginning December 14.

6 fined to this continent-for a number of years he escorted rail tours through Europe. Tommy has always been fascinated with the operation of railroads and has acquired one of the largest railroad collections in the United States. Included in his acquisi­ tions are historic maps, charts and timetables dating back to the 1850's. One of Tommy He has written numerous published articles on rail­ Thompson's most vivid roading, edited the Railroad Enthusiasts magazine for six childhood recollections years in the late 30's and early 40's and was an amateur is of riding in an open railway photographer for many years. tou ri ng car with his f a­ A native of the Baltimore-Washington area, Tommy at­ ther to watch the trains tended St. Albans Preparatory School in Washington and go by. The railroad has played unlimited baseball until his work schedule became played an important part too demanding. in Tommy's life and for His 43-years with the railroad have been filled with many the past 43 years it has interesting experiences. The most embarrassing one he been his career. He now recalls happened during World War II when he was serves as Supervisor of traveling in Mexico with President Roosevelt's train and Sc hedules for Amtrak . the train of the Mexican President. The trains were under Tommy started his railroad career with a summer job for heavy guard. At one stop Tommy got off, only to learn that the Baltimore and Ohio in 1930. There w as no air condi­ the M exican se c urity guards would not let him board tioning in those days and the going wage for h is first job as again . Tommy was at a loss t ry ing to explai n to the guards clerk-stenographer was $2.45 a day. Tommy went o n to in Spanish that he be longed o n t he t rain . Finally t he Secret serve in many capacities of rail passenger service including Service spotted him, realized the situation and presented Assistant City Ticket Agent, City Passenger Agent, Assis­ the proper identification to enable him to get back on the tant Chief Clerk, Chief Cl erk, Su pervisor of Passenger Se r­ t rain , but for a while Tommy had visions of being stranded vice and M anager of Passenger Operatio ns. in Mexico. The railroad afford ed M r. Tho m pson t he opportunity to While sti ll o n t he C&O/ B&O Tom my did some special meet peop le and see p laces that are seldom v isible to projects for Amtrak. After retirement he was asked to join members of the general public. A m t rak and in Febru ary, 1972 he was named Supervisor of From 1942 through 1956, for instance, To mmy w o rked Scheduling . In that position, he functions as a liaison with the General Passenger Agent in setting u p all Presi­ between Am t rak and the railroads in the working out of dential trains originating on the B&O. He worked out trip sc hedule details. details and traveled throughout t he United States and To m my who commutes daily from Baltimore by train, Mexico with Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Ei se n­ says there is no question that Amtrak has arrested the hower, and Queen Elizabeth. He also worked cam paign decl ine i n rail passenger traffic and adds " with the energy tours with Presidential candidates Adlai Stevenso n and c risis and ecological concerns, the future of the passenger Barry Goldwater. Tommy's work hasn't always been con- t rai n looks very bright."

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