Amtrak really needs to up their game in order to increase ridership Here are some areas for improvement: 1 Prioritize on time schedule 2 Customer Service is important in both Business and Coach class 3 Time for new cars Some are showing age Am a big supporter of rail and I ride on a regular basis between Irvine and San Diego More updates to come read more

I was sooo excited to take the Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to Santa Barbara for a birthday trip. I thought the chill vibes and ocean views would set the tone for a nice weekend. I was mistaken. There are some decent ocean views but it's a very small portion of the ride. I did business class and ended up in seat that didn't recline or have a foot rest. That combined with a small package of Oreos and potato chips, to me didn't justify the price increase to business. I did research online ahead of time and was lead to believe there would be full reclining chairs fun snack packs and even a glass of wine or beer - none of that was true on the train we got. So keep that in mind if you see fun take the train videos. My fault I should know better than to believe what I see online. Also, its good to know that there less business cars then coach by half so finding a seat with a good view in business is difficult. None of that is a deal breaker or that big of a deal mostly just interesting information to temper expectations. However, the behavior of the ticket taker really sunk this trip. We were at a 4 top for 2 of us and he said that would be fine unless a larger group boarded. We agreed and would've gladly offered up our seats especially if a family with children boarded. we were on it for 6 hrs so figured if we had to move around a bit it'd be no big deal but we'd stay put as long as we could. A group of 3 did get on a few stops later all very grown adults one sat across from us and we made space even giving him the charger. They were only on for one stop and didn't need the group seating. Next to us was another 4 top that had only 1 guy at that the ticket taker never spoke to or warned he may have to move. When he came up and noticed that they were a group of 3 he said we have to move for them. No problem, I started to say we're fine to move he cut me off at we're fine and said no you're not fine you need to move, they're a group and of course they won't ask for your seats but you have to move they shouldn't have to even ask. I tried again to help the situation and explain that I meant we would move but he cut me off again and proceeded to raise his voice to us and not allow me to speak. The group, that we already spoken to said no no it's ok we don't need it, which made him even more angry. He finally left and I offered to the other riders to just switch seats if they wanted to face each other and told them we're more than happy to exchange seats. Right after that the single guy next to us left and they took those seats and were totally fine until they got off shortly after. In retrospect I wish I would've stood up for myself better stating that I was trying to say I'd be happy to move and even explaining that we had already spoken to them. I didn't expect to have to defend myself this way while paying extra (too much) for public transportation. That interaction, which I've read isn't uncommon among Amtrak employees, with the general state of the train means I will not be a repeat customer and will not recommend this ride to anyone. I'm super bummed as I was very looking forward to this and hoped to love it. read more

Amtrak - Seats that can't recline and no footrest - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

Never on time and difficult to get accurate information regarding revised times. You always have to scramble to get two seats together. They always oversell tickets so sometimes you have to stand the whole trip. I thought business class would solve the problem. You will definitely have a guaranteed seat in business class but there's no way to reserve two seats together. Some business class seats are arranged in a way that actually give you less leg room than coach and of course that's where we ended up sitting on the return trip. read more

Love to travel using Amtrak, the staff is friendly and helpful. The train is clean (especially the restroom) the complimentary snacks and beverages aren't bad. Business class is the only ticket I usually purchase. The ride is smooth and convenient for various destinations. 10/10 read more

Amtrak - Snacks - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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Took the surfliner to LA and back for the first time last month While I'll definitely do it again for the fact of not driving in traffic the experience itself was inconsistent On the way to LA the employees were pleasant and helpful. Explaining the train layout (we did business class) and since train was empty allowed us two to sit at a table normally reserved for 3. We had understanding if got busy we would move or allow someone to sit with us. There was a coffee station and dry pastries. The food cart was run by a man who obviously didn't want to be there. Prices are high as expected and check expiration dates! The ride back to San Diego was horrible. The employees were rude. Really rude But this time they walked around and handed out snack packs and canned soft drinks. Still business class. So not sure why this only happened on one side of the trip. The train is comfortable enough. Lots of stops but a 3 hour trip still beats stop and go driving traffic. read more

I really enjoyed my short trip. Easy access to get tix. SD people were excellent and friendly. Except when we got to LA the people that work at the station were aggressive and rude. Los Angeles needs to step up their hospitality. read more

Amtrak - Snack time! - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

Always a great experience 109% of the time! I've ridden in both coach and business class and the only reason I continue to ride business class is the seats. Literally, that's the only reason. Amtrak is the way my hubby and I ride to DTLA to stop at Union Station, jump off, walk to Olvera Street for tacos and margaritas jump back in and head home to OC. Other times, we hop on to head to San Diego for the day. Honestly- let them do the driving for you while you sit back, relax and enjoy the cafe/ bar. read more

Super disappointed with this train experience. The attendant didn't open our cart so we ended up missing our stop and being 30 miles away from our destination. She was super distracted and clearly was on her phone playing solitaire. read more

"The seats look like they've never been cleaned, and the trays are always dirty. I was on the Amtrak on Tuesday and today, and the WiFi STILL doesn't work. Considering the amount of money people pay for Amtrak tickets, it's unacceptable that you can't provide working WiFi. Many people do work and school assignments during their commute, and it's extremely frustrating when the internet doesn't work. Unfortunately, I've had to take Amtrak twice a week for the past three months, and the internet hasn't worked multiple times. Additionally, I left my lunchbox on the train, and despite the email stating they looked for it for a month, they claimed they couldn't find it. Who would want to take someone's lunchbox? They probably just threw it away, which is really frustrating. If Amtrak simply hired people to clean and fixed their WiFi, the commute would be much more worthwhile and enjoyable. Avoid using the Amtrak if you can. read more

I recently took the Surfliner from Solana Beach to LA Union Station. I bought my ticket on line. The train arrived on time. It was a little crowded in coach, but got a seat and enjoyed the ride along the coast and passing cars on the I5. In the time it would have taken me to drive, for roughly the same cost of fuel, I arrived to a clean Union Station. The main corridor's concrete floors were polished. I met my friends at the Traxx bar, upstairs near the entrance. Very cool. Highly recommend this to anyone headed to LA from San Diego. read more

Always a great experience 109% of the time! I've ridden in both coach and business class and the only reason I continue to ride business class is the seats. Literally, that's the only reason. Amtrak is the way my hubby and I ride to DTLA to stop at Union Station, jump off, walk to Olvera Street for tacos and margaritas jump back in and head home to OC. Other times, we hop on to head to San Diego for the day. Honestly- let them do the driving for you while you sit back, relax and enjoy the cafe/ bar. read more

I love trains more than cars and traffic so this is a perfect way for me to travel from SD to Irvine to Burbank!! The interior could be updated and modernized so 1 star off for that. It's a pretty and inexpensive ride up and down the California coast! 10/16/19 I'm going back to Van Nuys on the stinkiest train car I've ever ridden. It smells like urine and people all around me are coughing. Where's my mask? read more

Amtrak - Comfy seat - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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My trip was amazing to San Diego!!!! And I absolutely loved DAVEION he was one of the greatest attendants on the train, super professional, accommodating and funny... thank you Amtrak! read more

My girlfriend and I took the train from Solana Beach to San Juan Capistrano for a leisurely day of shopping and lunch. We bought our tickets in Solana Beach. Kathy, the ticket agent, was absolutely adorable. We were on the wrong side of the tracks for our trip. We heard someone yelling from above. It was Kathy! She said "get up here"! Here are 2 60+ year old women running up the stairs.! She was at the elevator and told us they will hold the train. What a precious soul. Next was Tim, on the train. He took our tickets and was just darn nice. On our way back Scott greated us and checked our tickets. He was amazing as well. Thank you Amtrak! We had a wonderful day!! read more

Landed at San Diego airport due to a cancelled flight to Orange County. Thought I would make the most of it and take the train back to OC as I hadn't been on a train in years. Make a little adventure of it. Strike 1: kiosks broken so I can't purchase tickets...so I downloaded app and selected what I thought was business class. Selected coach....my bad. Strike 2: I boarded business class car and asked Amtrak employee how I could upgrade. Given no answer for several seconds then told I could call..."do you happen to have the number...?", I asked. Reluctantly the attendant told me the number. Called and told it would be 30 minutes. Strike 3: I asked if I could pay for an upgrade through the attendant in the car I was in and told no and I'd have to move to coach. Not sure what I expected....but the dismissive service and lack of helpfulness for a train that had 3 people in the whole car is amazing. I get why their reputation is what it is. read more

Amtrak - Amtrak train - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

Don't ever ever take the train. Especially if you have somewhere to be, you won't get there on time. I was 3 HOURS late for my event. Don't even bother with this service it was my first and LAST TIME. Don't schedule so many trains you CLEARLY CANT HANDLE IT!! read more

This Amtrak Stop itself is unremarkable, but it is in the Old Town Transit Center in Old Town, San Diego's oldest neighborhood (the oldest settled area to be accurate). There are many Mexican restaurants and other restaurants, some of which I tried when I lived in San Diego once-upon-a-time. Writing a review for bus stops or train stops is a strange thing since it is unclear if you're supposed to talk about your experience on Amtrak or the station/stop. Generally, my experience with Amtrak throughout Southern California have been good. I was last in San Diego to celebrate New Years' 2020. read more

I used to be a big fan of Amtrak in California but this time traveling with an injured foot I learned just how non-ADA friendly Amtrak here is. The signs may point you to an onramp area for ADA accessibility but you'll be there waiting for a train that will go past that ramp and you'll end up having to rush all the way down to the other end of the track just to get to the non-business class cars. What a nightmare. The employees for Amtrak will not help you and don't seem to care as you limp/run your way down the track with all of your belongings and then struggle to get up the huge steps onto the train. read more

Fun trip to San Diego on the surf liner! Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Joan was our steward and took amazing care of us. We love Amtrak! read more

This station is more for the trolley than Amtrak itself. I was unable to purchase tickets here because their machines were down. It is also not a proper ticketing station where one can check-in luggage. We ended up getting an Uber to Santa Fe Station in Downtown SD. You can also catch the trolley down to Santa Fe Station but we just did not want to wait anymore. The trolley does offer plenty of parking, a mini-store with lots of goodies, a nice waiting area and not too many people now days. It could be due to COvID-19 that it was as empty as it was though. If you already have a ticket, no luggage and this is the closest station, by all means use this station. Make sure to check train times online as they do not have the schedule available on site. read more

Amtrack is a 3rd world rail system. Amtrack has never been modernized. Do not let the fancy name Pacific Surfliner fool you. Amtrack has a monopoly on train travel in The Sanctuary State of California and company employees behave like the US Postal Service postal workers before other competitors like FedEx. BACK TO AMTRACK: Confusion abounds if you contact Amtrack by phone. So I went in person to the downtown San Diego Santa Fe station. The workers could care less. I could not get a straight answer on scheduling a trip from San Diego to San Francisco. The employee told me it depends on the day/routes and transfers. It is a 14-hour travel time. I requested a business class seat and he said, "Too bad, you won't find it on that line during summer because it is busy." Well, I went to the kiosk and checked till February 2025 and Only coach seating is offered. In 2024, if you THINK Amtrack is streamlined, clean, efficient, and modernized, like European trains, THINK AGAIN! TO AMTRACK CEO STEPHEN J. GARDNER: YOU SHOULD BE COMPLETELY ASHAMED OF YOUR OUTDATED TRAINS, MULTIPLE TRANSFERS [from bus to train and train to bus], YOUR INCOMPETENT EMPLOYEES, YOUR UNSANITARY FACILITIES, YOUR LAZY TRAIN STAFF, AND YOUR MONOPOLY. CAN we get any other train companies in California to compete? Even minor improvements by another train company will shut down AMTRACK. read more

Ok My very first time in my long history of American life that I took Amtrak on my birthday to San Diego. First and foremost can we make sure the guard who walk the cabin are educated enough to know racism is a legal problem. Why? Let me start by sharing that some genius decided to design seats backward so he can make sure you are dizzy and sick to your stomach by the time you get off... I recall asking a neighboring lady about the direction and she was confused as hell and told me she has no idea. Then I sat in an area that had 4 seats not knowing it's for larger parties cause come on it's a train not a party space and he was so rude and aggressive to me when he passed the nonsense sign and I ended up staying in a cabin area that I didn't like. Simply seats were old and fabric so it felt dirtier. Anyway long story short. Engineer better and hire the right staff. Backward seats, stations that are inaccessible with no direction and racist staff. Good job America. read more

Rode the train from SD to LA, what a pleasant experience they offer, fast, comfortable clean seats with wi-if on board and a food/snack area and friendly attendants. Get your tickets prior to boarding at the automatic ticket machines, once you are on board an attendant can sell you a ticket but it will be almost twice the price. Avoid the slow and hectic traffic to LA, enjoy the Amtrak ride! read more

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I take Amtrak quite frequently and actually enjoy the ride. I enjoy sitting in the viewing car and watching the beautiful sites of the Pacific coastline, just as well I enjoy sitting in a very comfy amount of space watching a movie on my phone. wish they had a few more discount packages from Orange county to San Diego but honestly it's a great price. It's very spacious, pretty much always on time and customer service is friendly. I do wish the Wi-Fi worked though so I could use my laptop, but nonetheless I look forward to the relaxing train rides and stops. read more

Traveled to work to San Diego from Santa Barbara. I took the 6:45 am train. I signed up for text messaging updates which in my experience told me the train would be early. I personally was in the Business class which was very spacious. They do check your ticket. In business class you do get free water, pastries, oj... that was for the early morning ride. Free WiFi that does work. I hate porta potties but these were clean and I didn't mind using them. Even hating the idea of them. When traveling to San Diego from Santa Barbara if you sit heading south it changes in the LA depot. So be prepared if you get car sick or whatever you will need to change seats. Just make sure to take your over head ticket with you. I did it and it's fine. Conductor doesn't care. Down south the train is on time. Coming home...wasn't the case. Delayed over 1.5 hours but I knew that going into it. Still better than driving read more

Amtrak - Amtrak loading dock - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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Easiest way from O.C to San Diego for 30bucks! I was able to enjoy the ride,the scenic views,and I took my own snacks. Definitely convienant for any1 traveling solo. I was dropped off in Old Town,which made it easy to then catch lunch, and. Then walk it off exploring the historic park. Amtrak Surfliner is clean,friendly attendants,and comfy reclining chairs. Best way to travel to avoid traffic! read more

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Months ago I decided to stop taking Amtrak (Pacific Surfliner) because they were not enforcing mask mandates. Since then, they require that passengers--when purchasing tickets online--click on a box with a statement confirming you'll comply with said mandates. Given that I'm vaccinated, I've taken the train twice since April. The first time the cars were almost empty, and everyone wore their masks. It was great to hear constant reminders over the PA system--in a loud, clear, firm voice--reminding passengers that masks over the nose and mouth are mandatory. The second time, however, the train was very full on my way back home (August 8), and there were three people in my car who had their masks all the way under their chin--two on the second floor, one in the lower floor. Also, two people decided to have long conversations on their phones, and they removed their masks while talking. Most people wore them properly, but the staff is clearly leaving it up to passengers to decide whether to wear masks or not. If it's too much of an imposition to ask the regular staff to enforce this, whether because they're afraid, embarrassed, or believe masks are the beginning of the end of Democracy, may I suggest Amtrak hire a number of people dedicated solely to enforcing the mandate? I'm back to driving. It's a shame, because otherwise the train is wonderful. It's usually on time, the views are gorgeous, and it's so much more comfortable than driving, but Delta is just not worth the risk. read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

You're goin north to LA? Anaheim? Because I am!!!! And I did myself a favor and upgraded for $14 to sit in Business Class. When I walked upstairs, all the good window seats facing north were taken so I tried to sit at a table for four but it was just me. I was told that table was reserved for a party of 3 or more and was kindly directed out of that car labeled "Business Class" to what feels like frikkin First Class!! The conductor told me to trust him and go find another seat and here I reside in a comfy leather reclining chair where I've been served snacks and alcohol. Um thank you!!!!! Needless to say, do yourself the same favor, upgrade for $14, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride up north! read more

Amtrak - Would you like complimentary wine and snacks? Yes please and thank you!!! - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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Just took Amtrak from Union Station Los Angeles to Santa Fe Station in San Diego I love it, this is been quite an enjoyable ride I did a pit stop in San Juan Capistrano and Ocean Beach. I love this train no traffic so much room and I can do my work or just relax watching all the traffic as I zip on by :) And the staff is so friendly read more

Denise Shirley Bethel CSR CUSTOMER SERVICE U T Solana Beach On June 14, 2019 my husband and I took our grandkids (both toddlers) to San Juan Capistrano for a day visit. When we arrived at the Solana Beach ticket counter we spoke to Denise who was so kind and helpful. My husband had Open Heart surgery a few months ago (77 yrs old) and she gave us so much help to make it an easy, relaxing and fun day. She met us at the track just before our train arrived and helped us with the kids and stroller. My husband cannot lift heavy items yet. Our handicap seats were ready. She recommended our visit to the petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano, which turned out to be the highlight of the day. Without Denise, getting the children on the train would have been so stressful. Thank you Denise! read more

Amtrak - Amtrak from Solana Beach to San Juan Capistrano! - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

I love taking the Amtrak and since I've already reviewed the train service on a previous review I'm just going to focus on this particular train station. The thing that makes the Old Town stop worth 5 stars is the fact that it has free 24 hour parking unlike the Santa Fe station. I parked once in the parking lot behind Santa Fe station and I paid around $20 for just a couple of hours which felt like such a ripoff. While the parking at Old Town is free just don't leave it overnight because there are signs saying not to do that and I wouldn't want to get my car towed or something. Another thing that makes this location worth 5 stars is the proximity of the track and parking. I take the train up to Irvine in the morning and come back at night so having the car about 15-20 feet from the train is great! I just get off the train, get into my car and then drive back home. My only complaint is that there aren't a lot of signs indicating that track 4 is for the Amtrak so there are always people confused as to which track they should be at. There's only one sign with the time but its all the way near the end of the train. But just remember that track 4 is for the Amtrak! This location is PERFECT for those that just want to go up north for the day. read more

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The Amtrak station at Old Town is the first stop northbound from downtown San Diego's Santa Fe Train Depot on its way to Orange County and Los Angeles. There isn't a ticket counter here for Amtrak. Only a couple ticket machines by the platform. If you are headed northbound, just about all passengers are boarding the train. The waiting area is not covered, so if it is raining make sure to wear appropriate clothing. The station is pretty no frills, but it is convenient for those who don't want to go all the way to the downtown San Diego station. An Amtrak ticket from Old Town to Irvine Station costs $29. A little high. If you want to save some cash, take the COASTER to Oceanside and transfer to a Metrolink which would save you about $10 or so, though it does require that change of trains and layover. The train ride to Irvine was alright. Headed upstairs and had the misfortune of riding with a bunch of rowdy kids. On the bright side, parts of the train ride up were pretty nice as the train goes up the coast. Particularly the San Clemente Pier which there is a stop. There is also free Wi-Fi available though I found it to be spotty. My ride on Amtrak was fine for a 2 hour journey. If you want to get to the OC and LA the leisurely way, taking Amtrak is a more enjoyable way to do that than driving up and having to deal with the traffic. As for the Old Town Amtrak station, it is a great stop to use if you want to avoid taking the train from downtown San Diego. Though the con is that its not a great place to wait for the train for a long time. read more

Fucking Amtrak, they wtf alllll the time. Consistently late, might not even show up, forever rude staff. They get two stars cuz they once put me and my hot babe date through hell and then fixed it up by giving us wine n bottles of water. Plus the seats are comfy enough... maybe 2 1/2 star worthy but the lateness and staff craziness keep it at a very low and expectable score. read more

My first Yelp review ever. Amtrak is the what causes most anxiety, sadness, and frustration in my life. I need to take Amtrak daily due to my commute to work, but it's NEVER on time. At least 80% of the time there are delays. Amtrak used to be on time in the mornings at least (7.25 am from LA to Irvine) but since they changed time of the departure (7.02 am) they seem to have technical issues, engine problems and another set of various faults that make it impossible for them to be on time or to departure at all every morning. More often than not Amtrak is delayed. Not sure why that is, since it NEVER happens for Metrolink? I'm dreaming of a day where I'll never have to encounter Amtrak again. Also, 1 star is because 0 wasn't possible. read more

Amtrak is awesome! I have travelled several times from San Diego to LA and it has been such a comfortable ride. I don't even feel like driving down to LA anymore. It is a really beautiful and scenic journey. It is all along the ocean so the views are amazing. Seats are very comfortable. There is a small cafeteria in the train as well where you can get coffee and sandwiches etc. The train is always on time. Even if it gets delayed on the way it usually makes up for the time lost. read more

Amtrak - Beautiful scenic route from San Diego to LA - Train Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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1800's technology at its finest. If you want to be hours late to your destination take the train. It literally kills someone on the track every day, yet the act like they don't know what to do when it happens. #surfliner Yeesh. read more

Only ride Amtrak if you are not on a schedule. Seriously. I rode the train from Union Station to Old Town station without an issue. Going back from Old Town to Union Station was another story. I received an email about an hour before my train ride saying it was cancelled. We had already arrived at the station so we decided to walk around the area. I called and got a ticket for the next train out. Well, it turns out that the next train was 2 hours behind schedule. I didn't receive an email and the lady on the phone didn't mention this or I would've probably paid my friend to drive me back. I only found out because I called and used the tracker online. Both systems are not updated regularly so you may still end up waiting for the train. The next train was supposed to leave at 10:52, it didn't arrive until 12 something...when in reality, my train was actually at 1pm but according to their website and phone tracker it was arriving around 1251. I ended up boarding the 12ish train anyway. It really sucks because I was one of the last few people to get a seat. All the people that got on the train after Old Town were stuck standing. Then around 8pm more than 12 hours after I was supposed to ride the train, I received a call saying my original train booking at 955 was cancelled! Really? That info is totally useless now. I also emailed them about the situation and possibly receiving a refund but I haven't heard from them. It's been about 4 days. Long story short, if you are not on a tight schedule, ride the train at your own risk. If you are on a schedule, you might want to take Metrolink or drive because with the time I spent waiting, I could've rented a car and driven back to LA. The dining car is okay...the food is mediocre and priced okay. There is one charging outlet per seat so if two people need to use it, you may have to rotate. The view is nice though. I also rode the Capital Corridor train from San Jose to Sacramento and from San Jose to Oakland and it seemed fine. read more

Omg! I'm never driving to LA again. This was the most comfortable and amazing trip to LA. The train was really clean. I hopped on the train from old town San Diego and reached Burbank airport in about 3 years ... it was awesome! There were a few stops on the way but the stops were real quick stops. The longest stop we had was in LA, which was about 20 mins. I bought some food from the cafe on the train. Can't wait to experience the Amtrak again!!! read more

I have almost never left a Yelp review, but i can't help but warn anyone that intends on riding the Amtrak. I wish I could give a lower score. For a company that is funded by federal subsidies it has no intention or goal of being operated efficiently. Without any real competition or need for self-efficiency, it lacks any incentive for improvement. I rode this train between LA and San Diego weekly for months for business and 90% of the rides I took were rife with mechanical breakdowns, delayed arrivals, and disgruntled Amtrak employees. Once it took nearly 7 hours to make the 100 mile trip. The excuse is always that they have to use "positive train control" as mandated by transportation authorities. They must not have anyone employed by the company that knows anything about it because it is routinely the cause of all of the aforementioned issues. It's like owning a NASCAR but not having anyone in your pit crew that knows anything about cars. I've never seen a more poorly run form of public transit. If you can avoid riding this train, I highly, highly, highly recommend it. read more

I have no issues with Amtrak, the trolley, buses or any public transportation offered here. My issue is there are NO RESTROOMS! It's a public place where large volumes of people gather. None of the other stations I have visited are like this. So my husband has to go to work and drops me off about 75 minutes before my train. No where for me to go while waiting. All the other stations have figured out how to deal with this. Why not you, Old Town?? read more