Reggie

For what it's worth, I received a phone call today from an Amtrak Customer Service Rep. I'd booked my trip before the new schedule changes went into effect. She wanted to let me know that the departure times for some of my trains had changed (which is something I already knew).

I mentioned that I was considering canceling my trip if the news from Washington didn't improve by Tuesday morning.

She cheerfully told me not to worry; that the media was blowing it out of proportion, and that the trains would still be running after Wednesday.

Who knows? Maybe she was clueless. Or maybe she was just parroting the "company line," as instructed by her supervisor.

She didn't sound concerned, however -- which I would definitely be if I was on the brink of losing my job. So make of it what you will.

But for those of you who've booked and paid for your trip by phone. . .

If you don't want to cancel just yet, but still haven't picked up your ticket, consider doing so as soon as possible.

In the somewhat unlikely event that Amtrak goes under, there's no telling what the refund procedure will be -- if there is one. It could be anything from filling out a simple form to taking part in a class action lawsuit.

If your paid-for ticket only exists in Amtrak's reservation database, you could have a problem proving your claim if that database is locked or otherwise inaccessible.

Remember, your credit card bill won't say anything about your travel dates, or which train you didn't get to take.

The only foolproof way to prove you booked a seat on a specific train, on a specific date -- and that you paid for it in full -- is by having an actual ticket in your hand.

Keep in mind, too, that if you've already paid your credit card bill, the card company is unlikely to get involved with your refund dilemma. After all, the Amtrak charge appeared on your bill, you didn't dispute it at the time, and you paid it. So as far as Visa or Mastercard are concerned, you're on your own.

If we're all lucky, the Customer Service rep was right. But it doesn't hurt to think ahead and protect your investment.

The Amtrak ticket agent was upbeat and seemed certain that a shutdown "isn't going to happen" -- a sentiment echoed by the ticket agents working on either side of him.

Then again, all were "nothing phases me" New Yorkers. And maybe they're in serious denial.

But having worked for several doomed companies over the years, I know the spooky way employees look and act when waiting for their walking papers.

These guys didn't fit that description -- which could be the best barometer of how the coming week will pan out

John

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Originally posted by RRRICH:
I wonder if Mr. Gunn has been reading this forum.......... {snip}(edited 06-23-2002).]

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