I am sorry to hear about your new security initiatives described in USA Today. Avoiding the invasion of privacy that flying has become is one of the main reasons I travel by train, but the random selection you’re planning to engage in is the only thing worse than systematic searches. I do not wish to face the dilemma of having my belongings searched without cause or cancelling my trip with no notice, nor do I want a portion of my fare going to finance that treatment for any of my fellow passengers.

Railroads are our safest means of transportation, and I’m sorry that many people do not understand this, but I would appreciate it if you would respond to calculated risks rather than public anxiety. Since you’ve chosen not to, I must chose to avoid the Northeast Corridor in which you’re targeting passengers for harassement.

Sadly,

Doctor Barnett

Amtrak’s response to this letter refers to their passenger trains and stations as a “front-line” (war!) and darkly hints about unleashing their popular K-9 unit on us:

Thank you for contacting us regarding security and Amtrak.

Amtrak’s priority is the safety and security of our passengers. Therefore, Amtrak has in place a range of behind-the-scenes and front-line security measures aimed at improving passenger rail security, some of which are conducted on an unpredictable or random basis.

In stations or aboard trains, you may notice:

Uniformed Amtrak Police officers and Mobile Security Teams
K-9 units [grr...]
Random passenger and carry-on baggage screening
Checked baggage screening
Identification checks
On-board security checks

Amtrak is in constant, direct communication with government agencies that direct and disseminate up-to-the-minute intelligence reports. These measures conform to the current Homeland Security Advisory Systems threat level. [That show is still on?] We also encourage all passengers to report any suspicious activity or unattended luggage to Amtrak Police, personnel or by calling 1-800-331-0008.

For more information regarding these new security procedures, please refer to our web site.

Once again, thank you for writing. Please be assured that we are taking many significant steps to improve our security while maintaining the open access upon which our passengers rely.

Sincerely,

Lew
Amtrak Customer Service

No no no, thank you Lew for sending your security-hyping form letter to a customer that complained about your hyped-up security measures.

At least we can rely upon Amtrak to bury those terroristic prepositions trying to sneak to the end of their sentences.