FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   Amtrak | Guest Rewards (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amtrak-guest-rewards-399/)
-   -   Metrolink Ticket Machines - ugh! (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amtrak-guest-rewards/1205714-metrolink-ticket-machines-ugh.html)

Points Scrounger Apr 14, 2011 9:38 pm

Metrolink Ticket Machines - ugh!
 
I seem to recall that one could type in the confirmation number directly to retrieve the ticket(s). This week, at Santa Barbara, the machine required a clunky, counter-intuitive entry system by pushing side buttons until the number/letter was highlighted, hitting ENTER for each, and starting over. This isn't an Amtrak "enhancement" is it?

GoAmtrak Apr 15, 2011 12:29 am

Sounds like you weren't using a QuikTrak at all, but one of the Metrolink ticket machines that have been upgraded -- but not necessarily optimized -- to also issue Amtrak tickets. (Yes, these machines can be found in stations like SBA and SLO that are outside the Metrolink commuter rail service area.) I personally have never used one to pick up Amtrak tickets and stick with the actual QuikTrak machines for simplicity.

Points Scrounger Apr 15, 2011 8:01 am

That machine was it - there was no other! But, yes, it was a Metrolink one.

GoAmtrak Apr 15, 2011 2:40 pm

Wow, you're right. According to the SBA station profile, there's no actual QuikTrak machine! Last time I was there I had to see an agent to use a companion cert, so I didn't even notice.

jbalmuth Apr 16, 2011 8:52 pm

I advise that this thread title needs to be modified, as the issue is not QuikTrak per se.

hmy1 Apr 27, 2011 3:05 pm

What's funny is that there is a Metrolink machine at SBA, a station which isn't regularly serviced by Metrolink. Same with SOL and SAN.

Wait, now that I think about, seems like Metrolink wanted to make it easier for passengers to transfer from Amtrak to their trains by allowing them to pre-purchase Metrolink tickets. I wonder how many people actually do this to justify the installation of these machines at those locations...

trainman74 May 2, 2011 1:40 pm

If I recall correctly, there's a NJ Transit ticket machine at PHL, which NJ Transit doesn't serve -- seems like the same principle is at work here.

AlanB May 2, 2011 2:43 pm


Originally Posted by trainman74 (Post 16316253)
If I recall correctly, there's a NJ Transit ticket machine at PHL, which NJ Transit doesn't serve -- seems like the same principle is at work here.

But NJ Transit does serve Philly. They run trains between Philly and Atlantic City, so while they don't have a live agent in Philly, they do have a ticket machine in Philly.

One can also buy an Amtrak ticket for the NJT train too, since it is considered a Thruway service. IIRC, you can even use Amtrak discounts on those AC tickets, saving money over buying from the NJT machine.

You usually will have to call to get your AGR points to post, but it is 100 points!

trainman74 May 3, 2011 1:24 pm


Originally Posted by AlanB (Post 16316666)
But NJ Transit does serve Philly.

Arrgh...obviously hadn't gotten enough rest over the weekend last weekend, given that I completely forgot about the Atlantic City trains. :mad:


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 9:18 am.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.