[IP] more on Amtrak's ID requiremeent
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jeff Porten <civitan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: August 10, 2005 3:34:11 AM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [IP] Amtrak's ID requiremeent
I haven't taken Amtrak for a month or two, but last time I did, there
was still zero photo ID requirement if you purchased your tickets at
the interactive kiosks. All you need is to swipe your credit card,
which I suppose counts as a form of non-government, non-photo ID --
excepting the cases of stolen cards.
As I understand it, the conductors have the right to ask for photo ID
on the trains, but rarely do; on a crowded train, it is quite
possible that half the train could be able to get off at their
destination before the conductor has had a chance to collect all of
the tickets, if he is slowed down by carding everyone. Uncollected
tickets can be redeemed for cash or used for future travel, so Amtrak
has a strong fiscal incentive to cover the entire train. You can
therefore easily predict which trains will not be checking photo
IDs. There is a requirement to sign all tickets, but that signature
has never been checked against the card in my experience.
Note that ironically, you have to use plastic to avoid showing ID; if
you pay cash, it's done at a window where there is 100% compliance
with the photo request.
Best,
Jeff
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