Why doesn't Amtrak have changing tables in train bathrooms?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA PLT PRO, AGR, Strawberry (Nordic Choice), Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 4,150
Why doesn't Amtrak have changing tables in train bathrooms?
Planes do, stations might, airports definitely do. So why don't Amtrak trains have changing tables in the train bathrooms? It's always struck me as annoying. I'd never want to change a baby on the sticky floor of the bathroom, however large the space is. Changing a baby on the carpeted floor space (if you have a mat) beteeen seats is a little better but not ideal. Changing a child on a seat (even with a mat) at eye level of other passengers just seems disgusting. But by not providing changing tables what options do Amtrak offer?
#2
Ambassador, New England
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Maineiac, USA
Programs: Amtrak, WN RR, Choice
Posts: 2,655
I don't have an answer to your question, but on behalf of those of us who aren't enamored with all things baby, I send a million "thank you"s for your consideration of others with what I quoted above. And you are correct, it is disgusting.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA PLT PRO, AGR, Strawberry (Nordic Choice), Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 4,150
Yes, which is why I have changed our child on a mat on the floor between two seat backs, by the wall with my body blocking the view from the aisle. The best option of a bad set of options!
#4
I have seen a changing table at least once, but that might have been in a sleeping car.
It doesn't help the current situation, but I expect that cars manufactured or refurbished in the future will have changing tables. Nonetheless, I encourage to contact Amtrak voice your opinion. I also encourage you to contact your representatives in DC and encourage them to fund new cars.
And like lo2e, I thank you for your sensibilities.
It doesn't help the current situation, but I expect that cars manufactured or refurbished in the future will have changing tables. Nonetheless, I encourage to contact Amtrak voice your opinion. I also encourage you to contact your representatives in DC and encourage them to fund new cars.
And like lo2e, I thank you for your sensibilities.
#5
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, Amtrak Exec
Posts: 3,262
The simple answer is that the train cars were built before that idea became the norm. Amtrak's newest trains, the Acela's, have one in the bigger bathroom. But otherwise, all the other cars are simply older than the idea and have never been retrofitted. Some couldn't fit one even if they were so inclined to install one.
#7
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
The Talgo sets on the Cascades corridor have them.
Some of the downstairs Superliner bathrooms have them, but they're so comically small as to be useless for any baby older than six months.
Some of the downstairs Superliner bathrooms have them, but they're so comically small as to be useless for any baby older than six months.