WASHINGTON — Amtrak will begin introducing new ticket kiosk at three Northeast Corridor stations, the beginning of a rollout that will eventually cover more than 150 stations and more than 200 kiosks.
Amtrak describes the machines as having “an updated user interface consistent with other Amtrak digital channels that allows for a minimum-touch experience for the most common in-station transations.” They can be activated by touch, card swipe, barcode scan, or inserting a headset, will allow customers to choose a departure from any station, and allow seat selection on any train offering reserved seating. The machines will eventually allow contactless payment and be able to send tickets to a customer’s email address. Fully ADA compliant, the machines have audio instructions available and are 48 inches tall to accommodate use by someone in a wheelchair.
Washington Union Station, the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Station in Wilmington, Del., and Moynihan Train Hall in New York City will be the first to receive the machines. The rollout will continue through the Midwest and West throughout the fall.
“As we continue to modernize our trains and stations, we are concurrently providing modern amenities to our customers, and we are accomplishing that goal with the new Amtrak kiosk,” Amtrak Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris said in a press release. “Our customers can trust that they will have an easy, convenient and fast experience when using these new kiosks to book or print a ticket for their next trip.”
The new kiosks will replace Quick-Trak kiosks that have been in service for almost two decades.
So, can it accommodate people who DON’T have/use Smartphones? Should they just go by bus, drive, or just forget about going? I need paper tickets from machines or vendors. I used to travel a lot Philadelphia-BostonSSta on sleeping cars and one needed human intervention because Amtrak’s “software” would put you on the wrong day’s train.
How about getting the trains to run on time?
another attempt to get rid of Station ticket sellers.
How about forgetting the kiosks and replace all 1930’s catenary on the NE corridor.
A good priority, indeed.
What could possibly go wrong?
I was hoping they could bring their website into the 21st century.
The new kiosks will “replace” Quick-Trak kiosks. So much for proof reading.😊