Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Small Business Talk from the Swami - Shashi Bellamkonda



I always have thoughts and like to write posts based on my thoughts that may be useful to others. Of late without a editorial calendar I am finding that my posts are getting postponed. My good friend Bob London does drive-time marketing http://www.youtube.com/user/LondonInkMarketing and maybe I will be inspired to do more videos. What do you think?

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Smart progress on Amtrak with e-tickets and Apps

@amtrak find a tech solution for gate / track nos
A lot of good things are happening on Amtrak and I am most excited about the eTicket and the mobile app that Amtrak has launched.
Using the App available both on Android and iPhone you can buy , tickets, cancel or change reservations. For the non-believers of mobile connectivity you can either print the ticket or show the Mobile code to the conductor who scans with his own iPhone and has real-time information on your reservation.

Why am i so excited:

a) I do not have to spend the extra time trying to print the ticket at the station kiosk
b) If I arrived at the station early and tried to take a earlier train, it was a big deal waiting in line and the anxiety and stress of worrying if the train will leave while you are in line is removed
c) If I ever want to quickly book a ticket I have the access right on my phone

Kudos Amtrak and the wonderful folks there who made this happen and to my cheerful conductor on train no 2100 Acela from Washington DC Oct 17th 2012.

What they can do to improve on this is to let us know exactly which platform my train will arrive at the New York Penn Station by sending me a text or activating my app when I enter the station.

Other good news from Amtrak:

  • Ridership record 31.2 million passengers best ever, On-time performance up October 10, 2012
  • Amtrak is testing trains to travel at 165 mph in a few test routes, maybe this will bring New York closer to Washington DC
I love trains and hope to continue to use them for my NY trips and one day travel cross country and to Canada.

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