With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Amtrak Leaves Passengers Stranded on Broken Down Surfliner for 8 Hours
()
Original photo by Mike Miley via Flickr
The Amtrak Surfliner departed San Diego 10:35 a.m. last Saturday -- right on time. But Train 571, a weekend-only train filled with families and weekend adventurers, never made it to its final destination -- Union Station, LA.
Amtrak Surfliner 571 wasn't abducted, it didn't slide quietly into the Pacific, it was simply stricken with "mechanical problems" north of Oceanside, about 40 miles into the two-hour-forty-minute trip to LA..
Support for LAist comes from
After 30 minutes stopped on the tracks, passengers were notified of the train's "problems" and most remained calm despite being provided little or no further information. At 2p.m, 45 minutes after the train was scheduled to arrive in LA, passengers were told they were still stuck but that a new train was coming.
That train blew right by Train 571 on the northbound tracks just as four others would (and another two heading south) over the course of the afternoon and evening.
A few disgruntled passengers tweeted for help:
()
tinyJanie and fheany could only turn to Twitter for help.
At about 6 p.m. passengers were finally told they could board another train but then had to hook up with yet another train, finally pulling into Santa Ana around 7:30. But it doesn't end there. At 8 o'clock when the train rolled into Anaheim, the crew announced they had to leave since they had been on duty for more than 9 hours and that it could be a while before a replacement crew appears.
An hour later, several people banded together and took a series of taxis, splitting the $90 fare to Union Station, others waited for a bus. We picked up our friend in front of Union Station at 9:45 -- eight-and-a-half hours late.
Support for LAist comes from
Mechanical problems happen. We all know that. But to leave passengers with nowhere to go for 8 hours-- not to mention a shortage of food, water, and beer -- and without a bus to rescue them in Anaheim, is reprehensible.
Amtrak, you may not have an explanation for the passengers of Pacific Surfliner 571 on Saturday October 24 but how about an apology -- if not refunds and travel vouchers? And where's our Acela? It's nearly 2010 -- pretty soon we'll just vote you off the West Coast.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist