AMTRAK 'PASS' Program

Trains Magazine Passenger
1

Had not see this posed as yet and thought it might get some conversations going here.

The resource is an article in the on-line edition of Railway Age Mahazine:

dated: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 [linked here]:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/amtrak-taps-railfans-to-bolster-security-3053.html

In past threads there have been discussions of some seemingly "ham-fisted, AMTRAK policies aimed specifically at rail fans. This program is an apparent attemp to re-align AMTRAK within the railfan community.

FTA: "….The program is credited as the outgrowth of a forum Amtrak executives attended last year, organized by Trains magazine. The forum was organized to help foster dialogue and reduce friction between railfans and Amtrak.

BNSF’s Citizens for Rail Security program was launched in 2006. BNSF officials have expressed satisfaction with the program publicly, including at Railway Age’s annual Passenger Trains on Freight Railroads conference and the magazine’s security conferences. BNSF officials repeatedly affirm that stance in private conversations, claiming the program has been successful despite concerns that railfans might overstep their authority or otherwise diminish the program’s effectiveness…"

And the most interesting comment (IMHO) was this FTA_: "… But according to BNSF spokesman Steve Forsberg, “We saw the railfans as potential allies.”…”_

2

Enlisting rail fans to spot and report security problems is a great idea. Oh, it will result in a few nut cases swearing that they saw an army of Martians attacking a train, but most rail fans, at least the ones who I know, are responsible citizens.

Rail fans should not limit their observations to security issues. If they see potential improvements of any sort, they should write a letter to the company CEO spelling out the improvement. If the letter is well thought out and presented, it will be read. Over the past six years I have written several letters to the CEO of Amtrak (President) regarding several potential improvements. In each case I received a nice reply. And in one instance, I have strong reason to believe, Amtrak acted on my suggestion.

3

Try this link to signup and then download your “ID Pass”. This is not a pass to be “on property”, only for ID. You should also download Amtrak’s Photo Policy that is linked from the below registration page.

Boardman has changed Amtrak.

https://pass.amtrak.com/register.aspx

4

This is a good thing, I think.