Wow, you actually talk to the signal desk!

[Anonymous]

I had to call the BNSF 800 number tonight to report a malfunctioning crossing signal and instead of some automated system (aside from telling me who to talk with) I actually spoke with the signal desk I think, at least that's what the friendly gentlemen said when he answered the phone.

I told him what town and state I was calling from, he asked which street crossed the tracks and he had my location down in about 3 seconds. I was actually talking with a real person within 25 seconds I bet.

I've never called before for anything, because I've never had too, but knowing how efficient and quick it is should I need it is good piece of mind. (It's going into my cell phone contacts)

[CShaveRR]

I'd almost think you'd have to talk to a real person, who could coax the proper information out of a less-informed person. Even with voice-recognition technology (like Julie on Amtrak) you might not be able to get a coherent description out of somebody, and playing Twenty Questions with an automated system might take valuable time when a live operator might be able to start with Question 15 and get the right answer.

You'll get a live person on UP, too.

[Mookie]

I talked with a very nice man when I called BNSF. I am not too sure I was real coherent, but he was very pleasant and reassuring and.....human, unlike my telephone provider.

Mook

[tree68]

I called the CSX number on a grade crossing and got the CSX police. Proved helpful as I had the right crossing, but the wrong state highway number. Once we got past that, we figured out they already had it and we were all set.

[daveklepper]

Thanks for the good news. I hope someone will report similar results with NS. Of course maybe their crossing gates and warning lights never fail? Also CP and CN.

[FThunder11]

I dont really like the automated systems, they bug me because you can never say anything right.

[CopCarSS]

It makes a lot of sense, at least to me. As others have stated, talking to a live human being is incredibly quicker than any automated system. For the railroads, this could mean a quick notification on something like a car stuck on the tracks, someone noticing a hot box on a passing train, etc.

There are situations where paying for the added convenience of a human answering the phone could actually mean saving a lot of money, or perhaps even human lives. Seems like pretty cheap insurance.

Chris May
Denver, CO