Train tickets - boarding and upgrades

Easily one of the most frustrating aspects of riding on Amtrak is the disorganized nature of the boarding process. Like most train stations, track numbers are announced ~10 minutes prior to arrival, and in the case of Amtrak which does not employ boarding groups or assigned seating, a massive, unruly line immediately forms as soon as a track is announced. This poor, last minute communication creates confusion and chaos for riders, as well as a burden for staff and a disturbance for other customers in the station.

To mitigate this, the train provider could choose to allow for assigned seats or boarding groups, and they could do so by requiring a customer to physically check-in at a terminal in order to receive a boarding group. This means that customers who show up early are rewarded with premier boarding position and clear, timely in-app communications can more effectively engage those who are on premises vs. those who may be running late and need to change their ticket.