When asked for ID on Amtrak I pull out my NY Police Department-issued press ID and tell them I'm doing a story on security on Amtrak

The whole thing is ludicrous. At Boston South Station, they make a bid deal out of checking tickets (Amtrak agent with Amtrak police at their side), denying anyone without a ticket from walking down the platform. But at Boston Back Bay and Route 128 (as well as others down the line...), there's no checking whatsoever. So what's the point at BOS?