We Have a Rare Chance to be Heard!
When it comes to the decision to take the Pacific Parlour Cars out of service, it’s pretty clear that the decision-makers at Amtrak have what they believe to be valid reasons and they aren’t going to change their minds.
Like you, however, I simply would like my concerns to reach someone with authority at Amtrak–someone who cares what I think and will take me seriously.
And so I asked a person with serious standing and influence with Amtrak’s top management to give me the name of someone to whom we—that is, you and I both—could express our feelings about the loss of the parlour cars.
I have been informed that we have been invited to contact Scot Naparstek, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He has asked that any of us wishing to express our concerns about the Pacific Parlour Cars should contact him directly.
This is a rare opportunity to speak one-on-one to a member of Amtrak’s top management. I trust it’s not necessary to suggest that we be brief, sincere and respectful in our comments.
Mr. Naparstek’s email address is scot.naparstek@amtrak.com.
I received a response from Mr. Naparstek the other day. It was exactly what I expected, “Thank you for your question, and we appreciate your concern, but we’re still retiring the Parlor Cars”.
I like the idea of keeping them, but overhauling/refurbishing for future use. Here’s what I’d propose:
-eliminate the movie theater on the lower level (I’ve heard it gets barely any traffic anymore, which makes sense considering that most everyone has a personal device to watch what they want at their leisure).
-move the bar to the lower level (similar to the Lounge Car) and design it similar to the Cross Country Cafe area on other trains.
-keep the wooden paneling/plush seating.
Thanks, Jim. Let’s all express our frustration in this matter to Mr. Naparstek.
Yes, but politely and with respect.
Thank you so much for this Jim!!!