In 2020 - probably partly in response to Covid related concerns, Amtrak starting showing real time seat availability information for trains. On the booking page it would show, for example “70% full.” It wasn’t perfect (didn’t seem to differentiate between coach/business or business/first - and there was still no way to see the seat map for trains with assigned seating (Business/First) before buying a ticket), but it was still better than nothing and helpful.

Now it is suddenly gone. It was there a few days ago but it is no longer showing up in app or website.

Since Amtrak’s pricing frequently has nothing to do with how full a train is this is extra disappointing. On regional trains it frequently helped me avoid the inexpensive train that was going to be packed - or an unpleasant surprise after buying a ticket for a train with assigned seating and discovering it was almost sold out.

Amtrak really needs to restore this information - and for trains with assigned seating allow you to view a seat map before purchasing a ticket. Obviously that’s not novel and every airline manages to offer the functionality!