From: jishnu@nospam.verizon.net   
      
   On 8/18/2014 10:58 AM, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:   
   > Picked up a copy.  Some observations:   
   >   
   > --They removed the station address from the station directory.  One now has   
   to go on-line to find out information.   
   >   
   > --They make very liberal use of code symbols, such as flag stop, bus, ferry,   
   customs, etc.  The problem is, on the schedule line the symbols are printed so   
   small that they become hard to understand, especailly those for ferry,   
   customs, wifi, and quik-   
   trak.  Also, some symbols are confusing, such as a plain wheelchair and   
   wheelchair within a square, which mean different things.  In the end, it makes   
   the schedule very cluttered.   
   >   
   > --Some explanations are confusing, especially for first time travellers.  An   
   example is the three codes for stantion support, "unstaffed", "attended",   
   "staffed with ticket office, but not open all times".  So, something thinking   
   it's a full service    
   station may show up and find an unattended station because of the late hour.    
   Also, some attended stations do not offer all services, like checked baggage.   
   >   
   > --They have various shadings, including those for overnight and daytime   
   trains, Acela, connecting, and Thruway.  All the different colors get   
   confusing.  The daytime/overnight train shading should be removed.   
   >   
   > --The schedule includes paid advertisements.  Some advertisers are official   
   Amtrak partners in providing service or amenities, but others are simply   
   outside companies.  I think outsider ads should be marked "advertisement".   
   >   
   > --The lawyers got a hold of the real section, with a ton of disclaimers.    
   Makes one feel not very welcome or that Amtrak isn't very responsible.   
   >   
      
   I think the paper timetables are pretty useless these days except as   
   collectors items for those who care for such, since they are out of date   
   almost as soon as they get published. There are lots of changes that are   
   made reflecting the reality of track work and other stuff like that, in   
   the online timetable that are never issued in paper form. Too expensive   
   to do that for little use these days.   
      
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