The many travel options now available can be confusing enough, and missing one’s appointed departure only makes things more frustrating.
To help, the Rail Passengers Association (RPA) is launching a new partnership with Amtrak, Trinity Metro, Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and local rail passenger advocates to recruit and train volunteers to help travelers at Fort Worth Central Station, 1001 Jones St.
RPA and its partners will be hosting an open house at the station from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 to introduce the program and recruit volunteers.
“I enjoy serving as a volunteer station host because I enjoy helping people, promoting passenger rail travel and promoting Fort Worth because I am proud of the city in which I live,” longtime Fort Worth station volunteer J.R. Price said. “Station hosting allows me to combine all of these pleasures.”
While the station is fully staffed by Amtrak ticket and station agents, the RPA wants to enhance the passenger experience for customers traveling on Amtrak, TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express to and from the station.
Volunteers will assist passengers using Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Heartland Flyer trains. They will staff the station before train arrival and after departure for the twice-daily trains.
Volunteers will receive training supplied by Amtrak.
During their service, station volunteers wearing ID badges and safety vests will answer travelers’ questions about Amtrak trains and services and about how trains fit in to the communities they serve. They’ll also highlight local attractions and foster a spirit of hospitality.
For more information, visit the RPA web site at https://www.railpassengers.org or email the RPA at volunteer@narprail.org.