I went to California and back twice (from the east coast) this spring by Amtrak. I was on the USA Rail pass so that meant I was in coach.
I found their trains to be clean. Chicago station was clean enough, but big. The second floor had a food court with over priced food but that is the same at any airport. I did notice a lot of Amtrak police with “Officer Cujo” (police dogs) patrolling the place. That made me feel safer and when I left a review with Amtrak I told them so.
Majority of the workers I was in contact with were very helpful and kind. Much better than the airlines.
The trains were late but I expected that, it’s Amtrak.
Because I was on the train a lot, mainly the Cardinal, Empire Builder, and Coast Starlight, I ran into the same employees over and over. I was shocked that at one station out west one employee remembered me and smiled when she saw me. This woman had only seen me one time before. I must really make a good impression on people?
bkmk