There was a report in Saturday’s paper over here (Daily Telegraph, England) that you now need photo id to buy a rail ticket. Is this just Amtrak and is it terrorist or credit card fraud related?
Odd thing to ask for as ant terrorist worth his salt is going to have id of some kind.
All the best
Kev
I haven’t checked the policy, or to what it is related – but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised. The need for a photo ID is becoming more and more common, not just for transportation but for a lot of things over here.
My reaction? So what. I carry one all the time anyway (two if I’m going outside the dear ol’ USA).
If it’s terrorism related, it’s probably not going to help much – as Kev notes, any terrorist worth his or her salt is going to have one – and they are ridiculously easy to get (driver’s license) – but if it helps prevent credit card theft, it helps a lot.
Read a similar article on the BLE website.
No more anonymous travel on Amtrak.
Yeah, I know
A couple of months ago I had to give my Social Security number to get a non-resident fishing license to w WAL-MART in Florida. That was in addition to the photo id.
It’s like no one is to be trusted anymore.
Its not just amtrak its everywhere. when i use my debit card locally some places ask for id too.
stay safe
joe
Actual practice seems inconsistent - I fully expected to show id on my last trip Penn Station to Boston but my kiosk issued ticket was sufficient.
dd
Well, I hear terrorists have a real grudge against Bass… Apparently they don’t feel the bass have been giving them the respect they deserve, so they’ve called a jihad against all bass. Intelligence reports say there is chatter about a plot to blow a few fish up in the near future, so they’ve elevated the fi***hreat level from 3 sardines to 4. You can never be too careful.
Dave
Los Angeles, CA
-Rail Radio Online-Home of the “TrainTenna” RR Monitoring Antenna-
http://eje.railfan.net/railradioonline
If the ist’s are so dead set against bass, then Charlie the Tuna had better watch it too…don’t you think?
If they get on the bad side of the mafia, will they tie helium filled balloons to their fins and say “You’ll be sleeping with the birdies”?
[(-D]
You just can’t win with the mafia, not even the fishes. [:D]
I guess this thread need to be renamed …“Is there a conspiracy behind the Rails To Whales Movement?”
When I worked for KMart, we were supposed to always ask for a picture
ID whenever someone gave us a check or credit card. Makes sense to
me, especially with all that’s going on in the world now. That is a very
good way to STAY SAFE, as Joekoh says.
My trip on the Southwest Chief last week did not require that I show an ID for my internet purchased ticket. However, I did have to sign the tickets. On the other hand, when I paid for an upgrade with a credit card, a picture ID was requested, and my address was printed on the ticket/receipt.
I suspect that the address/phone number information that Amtrak wants with on board credit card purchases may have to do with the fact that the charge can’t be immediately processe.
At any rate, showing an ID is just part of life today. As far as I am concerned-no big thing.
Jay
Wal-Mart was probably in violation of the law. If you look at your Social Security Card it clearly states “Not For Identification.” You are legally required to give your SSN to your employer and to anyone who is paying you taxable income.
You’re exactly correct, which is why I was so taken back by this request.
I heard yesterday that the 19 9/11 ist’s had collectively 67 drivers licenses. Makes you wonder how effective the whole photo id thing really is. I guess it was important to them to drive to the aiport on the day of their martyrdom. (That’s what they call it)
Hi, dmoore74…Arent’t you asked for your SS # on different forms and applications and stuff? There’s always a little thing in fine print somewhere stating that they have permission to get number for id purposes.
In New Jersey, your SS# is required for hunting licenses, etc. Now, for a permit (in additon to your license to hunt in special seasons [extended season doe, muzzleloader, black bear, etc]), you must “certify, under penalty of perjury” …it asks 6 questions all about owing child support or attending a paternity hearing.
Different forms may ask for your SS# but you are generally not required to provide it unless it is for tax purposes. The forms that say they have “permission” could probably not cite any law that gave them permission.
Getting someone’s SS# is a first step towards identity theft. Don’t give it out unless the law requires it.
hiya, dmoore…I’m just curious…on which forms have you refused to include your SS#?
As an example, there is no law requiring your SS# be given to a creditor. Have you ever been extended credit without it? I bet ya breakfast tomorrow that you haven’t.
Your full name, SS#, and DOB are what make up your identity (not your address), and this information is swirling around the globe. You’re only defense agaisnt identity theft (other than not giving out personal information to people that obviously don’t need it) is to monitor your credit report religiously, such as having credit inquiries reported back to you.
But this is pointless controversy. Happy Thanksgiving to your family, dmoore.
Ray
I figure it’s more to make the riders feel more safe than to actually stop terrorists.
I mean come on, what terrorist is going to use their real name and real ID anyways?
The one thing it might actually help with is things like identity theft. Which is the same reason most stores ask for ID now with credit cards and checks.
~METRO
i’m 24, although i don’t really look it, and i have a hell of a time even buying cigarettes w/o an ID. i bet all them jihad-ers would’ve had a harder time buying a pack of smokes than hijacking some airplanes…