Well Done, Metra!

[kevin_standlee]

I just received a phone call from Sharon Austin, Metra's chief communications officer. My letter about the "photos are illegal" conductor was pushed up to her, and she called me to apologize and ask for more information, like could I identify the specific staff member (alas, I couldn't -- no name badge, and I don't remember which hat the man was wearing -- conductor or collector). She said that I did everything right, and that the technical term for what I was doing was "tourist." *smile* She says they'll figure out who the crew was on that train and at the very least remind them of what the rules actually are. According to her, Metra is in the process of re-doing their web site, and that they will have a photo policy that will be easier to find there once the revamp is done. I should also expect to get a written reply. We chatted amiably for about fifteen minutes, and she invited me to look her up the next time I'm in the Chicago area if I have the time.

All in all, I feel much better about the whole thing. This may well be a learning experience for the crew member in question. Assuming he's never done anything like this before, I'm not looking to get the guy fired. I just don't want him or his buddies hassling people who aren't doing anything wrong.

Comments

[kalimac.livejournal.com]

My question (possibly unanswerable by this person, but still my question) would be: What made that conductor (or whatever) so certain that those were the rules in the first place?

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

Agreed; she expressed surprise that people would be doing this, too. My guess is that the conductor assumes it's the law the same way a lot of people seem to have assumed that all such photography has been illegal since 9/11.

[howeird]

That's great customer service! I think you were merely the victim of one of those people who need a job with a uniform so they can pretend to be In Charge. Petty bureaucrat. Good thing he didn't pass the police academy entrance exam.

[chocolatescifi.livejournal.com]

No! Not another learning experience! :)

[redneckotaku.livejournal.com]

That is good to see that you got an answer and they admit that the policy needs to be clearer. I hope somebody gets a reminder. I think I will try to get some of the long distance trains (when I have a ticket) when I am in DC. It is legal at the current threat level by Amtrak.

[sethb.livejournal.com]

I don't understand what you mean.

Does Amtrak get to outlaw photography at some particular threat level (specified by whom?) Where is the specific law that says so?

Cameras & Amtrak

[(Anonymous)]

Here's the current Amtrak policy:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=am2Copy&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FSimple_Copy_Page&cid=1178294272520

-- Michael Walsh

Re: Cameras & Amtrak

[sethb.livejournal.com]

That seems mostly within the law, providing that "area" is defined by "where the photographer is located". (It's perfectly legal to take a photograph of a restricted area when I'm standing in a public area.)

Parts of it are interestingly worded. It's legal for them to "approach and question" anybody at any time. There is no requirement for the photographer to answer.

[lin-mcallister.livejournal.com]

Great! Now if you can get Metra to put maps in their stations so tourists can have a clue as to where to go next...