In the July issues' "From the Editor" column Jim Wrinn discusses Amtrak's new citizens watch program and and states "registration with Amtrak is a good step" but then fails to mention where or how to register with Amtrak and I can find no reference in their web site for any Citizens Watch program or registering with Amtrak. Does someone have addition information on this please?
https://pass.amtrak.com/
I signed up as I photo trains all the time...figure it can't hurt to have the card in my pocket.
6000 miles on Amtrak in words and pictures www.currtail.com
Thank you for the link. Maybe I have become way to much of a cynic but as I see this country moving towards eliminating our civil rights as I watch law enforcement and government agencies usurping what have been our historic rights and civil liberties, there are some parts of this "agreement" , requiring acceptance, that troubles me. This maybe more of a means of establishing a tracking database to be used for other insinuative purposes and not quite the system it outwardly appears to be.
The Post Office knows my name and address as does the electric company and the telephone company...Unless you are the Unibomber living in a shack in the wilderness and only have cash contacts with other people...you are already known and can't hide.
steve33707 Thank you for the link. Maybe I have become way to much of a cynic but as I see this country moving towards eliminating our civil rights as I watch law enforcement and government agencies usurping what have been our historic rights and civil liberties, there are some parts of this "agreement" , requiring acceptance, that troubles me. This maybe more of a means of establishing a tracking database to be used for other insinuative purposes and not quite the system it outwardly appears to be.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
If you are so concerned about your rights and privacy, why even ask about registering for something like the Amtrak Citizens Watch Program in the first place? If you sign up isn't it obvious you'd need to sign an agreement and give identifying information?
And just to be clear, here is that agreement you find objectionable:
Remember that Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security Program membership does not authorize anyone to trespass on railroad property.
Restricted areas include, but are not limited to the following:
• Platforms (except for ticketed passengers or as otherwise permitted in Amtrak's Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video recording)* • Crew and Employee Work Areas, Maintenance Facilities • Unoccupied Trains and Engines • Office Areas • Employee Elevators • Baggage/Delivery Areas • Commissaries • Right-of-Way and Track Areas • In service train cars
* For further information, please refer to the Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording
Remember to cooperate fully with Amtrak Police or other law enforcement when contacted. If suspicious activities are noted, report it to Amtrak Police at (800) 331-0008 or local law enforcement officers by dialing 911. Do not take any further action! I understand that trespassing is a criminal offense and that I may be arrested and prosecuted if I trespass on railroad property. I will not trespass on any railroad property or right-of-way.
Agree
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
I signed up. Not because I want to be a squealer. Or want to spy on people. Or because it boosts my ego. But one, I think it lets Amtrak know I am serious about being a railfan and a train rider and therefore therein lies a mutual respect. How often I have found things from fallen trees, rocks, and garbage on tracks, circuit lines down, smoking journal boxes, stuck brakes, even kids and people on tracks. Yes, I found track crews and reported things. I've signalled to passing trains. And now, in the technology age, I've even stumbled through a phone book to call the most locally manned railroad office or 800 number to report incidents via cell phone. I will use it if and when neccessary and only then. Maybe it will help Amtrak, maybe not. Maybe it will help me, maybe not. Its in my wallet.
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
Henry6.......I signed up for pretty much the same reasons. I keep various phone numbers on me and have called in issues before....99% natural issues like rocks, trees etc. But I don't feel I gave up any true personal info. Thanks
It sounds to me a lot like when I signed up to be a Junior Marshall by sending my name to TV Ranch Club when I was about 5.
That was nothing but a nice card to carry in my wallet that conveyed no actual privileges or duties, too.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I'll tell Bill Parker what you said next time I see him, Phoebe Vet...
...but I think what this may, or hopefully will, do is allow me not to be hasseled, at least be recognized as a non violent threat despite my 68 year old body crowned in silver being a good signal, too.
When my wife was born, she and her mother shared a room at Binghamton General with Bill Parker's wife and the newly born daughter, Brenda. Brenda later went to St Catherine's School with my sister.
I last saw Cowboy Bill (Officer Bill to the younger generation) in the Spot Diner in about 1990. We spoke for a few minutes. He looked really old.
And now back to the Citizen's watch...
Geez, next we'll be going to Sharkey's and the Park Diner......
The Sharaks lived in my neighborhood (before I left many years ago) and I really miss breakfast at the Park Diner overlooking the Rock Bottom Dam while you eat.
But I think we have dragged this thread way too far off course. I quit.
Well, if you sit in the right spot at the Park and look east, up river, you might catch CP crossing the DL&W bridge. Sharkey's is bathed in diesel fumes from NS down the block. With your Amtrak patrol card, you can still eat at either place. And once in a while see an Amtrak engine being towed somewhere!
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