Originally Posted by
MrAndy1369
a) Both tickets were value tickets. There was no refundable option. Shouldn't I have been given a refundable option, and if not, should my tickets be fully refundable (as there was no option, essentially putting me in a "pickle")?
Unfortunately, Amtrak doesn't believe that their user interface/IT failures should waive any penalties. They apparently believe it's your responsibility to know what fares will not be fully refundable, even though they either do not give you the tools to see that information or do not make it easy to find that information.
Originally Posted by
MrAndy1369
b) Isn't there a 24 hours after purchase waiver period? The second ticket (the one cancelled ~22 hours before departure) was booked less than 24 hours.
The DOT has enforced that requirement for airlines (though do note that airlines are not required to honor the 24-hour cancellation waiver if you book travel within 7 days of departure, though several do still allow it) but to date has not extended that (nor really any other DOT protection mechanisms) to Amtrak or other forms of travel.
You can get around the refund penalty by choosing to receive credit on an electronic voucher good for future travel. That is usually the best option unless you do not have any intentions of taking Amtrak within 1 year.