YogthosFeb 26, 2023
American journalist discovers a train
Show threadStuart Marks
@yogthos @anildash Yep, I had a similar experience my first EU rail experience several years ago, even on the same line (Amsterdam-Antwerp). My favorite bit is the ticket info saying, “Please be on the platform at least two minutes before the scheduled departure time.”
Feb 26, 2023 at 7:46pmWeb
Show threadDuncan MacGregorFeb 26, 2023
@stuartmarks @yogthos @anildash coming from UK / Europe and experiencing American trains is equally odd. “Wait, I have to be at the station _this_ early and I can’t even get on the platform, let alone the train?”
Show threadStuart MarksFeb 26, 2023

@aardvark179 @yogthos @anildash Yes, even Americans find the Amtrak boarding procedure to be ridiculous. See this article:

https://www.vox.com/2014/3/31/5563600/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boarding-an-amtrak-train

It’s rather old but much still seems valid according to current Amtrak info:

https://www.amtrak.com/at-the-station

Amtrak’s insane train boarding rules

Boarding trains is easy. People do it all around the world. But for unclear reasons, Amtrak makes it difficult at certain stations. To a limited extent, it's possible to beat the system. In a larger sense, only policy reform can save the day.

Vox