Amtrak Brings A Touch Of Elegance Back To The Coast Starlight

Source: Amtrak (Press Release)

Elegant dinner service aims to improve customer satisfaction

Beginning today, real china, table linens and glassware are returning to Amtrak’s popular Coast Starlight long-distance train to provide an elegant dining experience for passengers and is the latest service change aimed at further improving customer satisfaction on the west coast route between Los Angeles and Seattle.

The re-introduction of full china service —and the move away from disposable plastic dinnerware— is one result of a comprehensive Route Performance Improvement (RPI) analysis undertaken by Amtrak to enhance Coast Starlight customer service, product quality and market performance.

"Amtrak listened to what passengers were telling us when they said ‘a premium train service deserves a premium place setting for meals—not throwaway plastic’," said Brian Rosenwald Chief of Product Development. "We are committed to customer satisfaction and in favor of eliminating plastic in favor of ‘green’ alternatives wherever possible."

Fiscal year 2009 was one of the most successful ridership years for the Coast Starlight, welcoming over 432,000 passengers, a 22.3 percent increase over the previous year. Customer satisfaction scores during the year also showed improvement, with 83 percent of customers ranking Coast Starlight service as excellent, up from 79 percent in fiscal year 2008.

The RPI analysis has resulted in Amtrak making other changes to Coast Starlight service. For example, sleeping car passengers may experience the Pacific Parlour Car, a lounge venue featuring alternative meal service, specialty coffees, a daily wine tasting, and private movie theater. In addition, Amtrak upgraded sleeping cars, enhanced room service, and re-trained employees to focus on high-level customer service delivery.

Other Amtrak trains that feature full china service include the Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle/Portland), and Auto Train (Lorton, VA. – Sanford, FL).

In addition, this year Amtrak is performing an in-depth evaluation of other long-distance routes to identify and implement changes where possible to improve key measures such as customer service, ridership, and financial performance. The five routes being analyzed are the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles – New Orleans), Cardinal (New York – Cincinnati - Chicago), Texas Eagle (Chicago – San Antonio), Capitol Limited (Chicago – Washington, D.C.), and California Zephyr (Chicago – Emeryville/San Francisco).

See Also: Amtrak To Step Up Security On Pacific Northwest Trains During Olympic Games

Amtrak To Step Up Security On Pacific Northwest Trains During Olympic Games

Source: Amtrak (Press Release)

With two daily Amtrak Cascades trains operating to Vancouver, B.C., Amtrak is stepping up its overall security measures in the Pacific Northwest as part of its preparation for the 2010 Winter Games set to begin this week.

“Amtrak is working closely with our partners to provide passengers a safe and secure journey during the Games,” said Amtrak Police Chief John O’Connor, noting increased passenger ridership and activities are expected.

Amtrak Police is supporting local, state and federal counterterrorism efforts including participating in U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Visible Intermodal Prevention & Response (VIPR) teams that bring to bear specialized capabilities in monitoring for surveillance, detecting suspicious behaviors, and supporting random security inspections with mobile explosives detection equipment.

At stations, passengers may notice additional uniformed police presence, K-9 explosive detection teams, and random passenger baggage screening activities. During the baggage screening process, randomly selected riders and their carry-on bags, briefcases, backpacks or other selected items, may be screened or inspected by uniformed officers from the Amtrak Police
and the TSA.

On board trains, passengers will encounter random security and identification checks. In addition, uniformed and undercover Amtrak police officers will be riding trains. Security messages will also run on monitors throughout the trains traveling to/from Vancouver, B.C.

Amtrak asks passengers to be vigilant and if they see something suspicious or unusual, contact uniform personnel at stations or call Amtrak Police at 1-800-331-0008 or dial 911.

The Amtrak Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety and security of the rail traveling public, improving the quality of life of Amtrak personnel, and safeguarding the trains and rails through Customer-Oriented Policing. This is accomplished by building partnerships to
enhance the capacity to protect a nation in transit.

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.