Originally Posted by
WeekendTraveler
Yes, I've taken Amtrak from Seattle. If you go along with the "make-work" requirement, then check-in is required. But Amtrak's own internal employee rulebook says that if the train is about to leave, then this isn't required.
If you get on at the next station, it isn't required. Or if you find a way to just board the train, it isn't required. It's just make-work. If you don't go along with it, there are no consequences. It's ridiculous.
Amtrak check-in applies only in some situations at some stations. And it only applies to passengers who don't refuse. Ridiculous.
I take it you didn't study operations management/logistics? Minimises queue processing time when there's a large rush/surge of pax. Knowing travellers, can you imagine if there's 100-200 pax and they have to show the QR code or whatever for scanning (which may no work as smoothly as expected)? I'd be surprised if it didn't take at least 2x as long. Better to check the masses in and give a physical BP ahead of time so it's quicker to get the masses through the gate.
Not so important at smaller, downstream stations perhaps as there are fewer pax to deal with. I didn't observe what the situation is like at larger downstream stations such as Portland Union Stn.
As far as I know, European railroads don't require check-in (other than stamping your ticket before boarding, in France, and the like, if my 1980s and 1990s recollections are still valid).
No they don't/didn't (though British Rail had ticket collectors at the entrances to platforms in the '70s and most likely earlier), but they also don't restrict passengers going to the platform ahead of time so there's no rush.