Amtrak is in the midst of "purging" many adminstrative positions.
It's unfortunate that when they had now "supposedly extra" officials",
that some office was not assigned to do some "emergency planning"
for unforseen breakdowns, when the only current alternative seems
to be let the passengers freeze or bake, depending on the season.
They should have a plan on paper (computer) for about every 30 miles
or so of trackage, listing all emergency services, availabilty of buses,
even if school buses, schools or other public buildings for emergency
shelter, fast food or other food establishements, etc., and verified
locations, telephone numbers and contact information.
Once such a date base was established, a semi-annual or annual
review and update could be done. For example, Amtrak has been
known to hire bus companies in an emergency, whose drivers don't
even know where the station or location is. No excuse on that one.
A map can be sent either via the net or even fax to the bus operator.
Amtrak does not need any more news stories about dozens to hundreds
of passengers stuck on a train with no heat or a/c, inoperable bathrooms
and little or no food. Amtrak can and should do better.