Originally Posted by
robow
I've probably taken Amtrak with my bicycle in tow a dozen times or more and I swear, each experience is never the same, even making use of the same rail line or route and only a few years apart. That being said, I have never had someone take a tape measure to my bike or tires as generally they're in a hurry to get that train a movin'
I've also taken my bike on Amtrak many times. You can never predict what is going to happen.
Despite all the pretty Amtrak web pages about bikes on trains.
Amtrak is a dysfunctional organization with aging equipment and terrible employee relations.
(Even though Amtrak is a public entity, the higher-ups gave themselves six-figure $ bonuses.)
Meanwhile the people in the front line - the ones you will be dealing with - get peanuts.
https://transportation.house.gov/new...ch%20in%202021.
I'm surprised to see a photo in this thread of a bike on the train with packs and panniers attached.
You are supposed to have the bike stripped down. Or else they probably won't take it.
In California, most trains with roll-on service usually have two bike cars - -
but equipment shortages may mean there's only one. Or none.
Who knows? Amtrak sure doesn't.
No way of knowing until the train shows up.
Most of the time, the station agent will do everything possible to make it work.
But other times you'll get a low-life who just says, "Tough luck."
I have supported Amtrak for almost 50 years -
despite late trains, poor service, surly employees, zero train service in my home state.
But my experiences of late have tried my tolerance to the breaking point.
I hope things work out well for you - and they very well might.
But, don't be surprised if it all goes south either.