Amtrak is proposing to eliminate the last remaining station agent position at the Amtrak station in Winona, which would result in travelers not being able to buy tickets or check arrival times at the station
In a letter to Amtrak, the lawmakers call on the company to review this potential impact and take necessary action to ensure passenger services continue
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Tim Walz, are urging Amtrak to ensure the continuation of passenger services at its station in Winona. In a letter to Amtrak, the lawmakers called on the company to review the potential impact that eliminating the last remaining station agent position in Winona would have on passenger services and take necessary action to ensure these services continue. The Winona station is the second busiest Amtrak station in Minnesota and serves as an important access point to the Mayo Clinic.
“The Winona Amtrak Station is a critical component of Southeastern Minnesota’s transportation network,” wrote the lawmakers. “Eliminating the station agent position would have a negative impact on the customer experience. Critical to the overall operation of the station, the station agent assists passengers with purchasing tickets over the counter, checking baggage, and answering questions. These changes would be inconvenient for passengers, resulting in a lower quality traveling experience, and could lead to a decrease in future ridership.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Mr. Boardman:
We write to you with significant concerns regarding Amtrak’s recent announcement that it intends to eliminate the station agent position located at the Winona, Minnesota Amtrak Station. We urge you to review the impact on services that would result from this potential staffing change and to take the necessary action to ensure the continuation of current services at the Winona Station.
Eliminating the station agent position would have a negative impact on the customer experience. Critical to the overall operation of the station, the station agent assists passengers with purchasing tickets over the counter, checking baggage, and answering questions. These changes would be inconvenient for passengers, resulting in a lower quality traveling experience, and could lead to a decrease in future ridership.
The Winona Amtrak Station is a critical component of Southeastern Minnesota’s transportation network. With more than 20,000 boardings and alightings annually, the station is the second busiest in the state only behind the St. Paul-Minneapolis station. This station also provides important access to the Mayo Clinic, which is one of the top medical destinations in the country with patients arriving from around the world. As noted in Amtrak’s timetable, there is twice-daily shuttle service between the Amtrak Winona station and Rochester, Minnesota, with drop-off and pick-up at the Mayo Clinic.
We look forward to hearing Amtrak's plans to ensure that the Winona Station maintains quality services for its passengers. Thank you for your work to provide passenger rail in Minnesota and across the country.
Sincerely,
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