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Home > Archives > Passenger Service Representative Tricia Saunders being interviewed, 1972.

Passenger Service Representative Tricia Saunders being interviewed, 1972.

Black and white photograph showing Passenger Service Representative Tricia Saunders being interviewed during a national tour; image likely dates to 1972.

Passenger Service Representative Tricia Saunders being interviewed, 1972.

Amtrak had very few direct employees in its first years, as most functions continued to be contracted out to the predecessor railroads from which the company had taken over intercity passenger rail operations. Prior to being hired by Amtrak on April 28, 1971–as one of the company’s first employees–Tricia "Patty" Saunders had worked two seasons for the Seaboard Coast Line, whose rail network covered the lucrative Florida market. She and her coworkers put on fashion shows, singalongs and other entertainments for passengers.

In her first Amtrak position–as a passenger service representative–Saunders was “the eyes and ears of Amtrak.” She assisted customers on the train, listened to their complaints and compliments regarding Amtrak service, talked about future company initiatives and passed on ideas for improvement to management. She also solicited feedback from fellow employees.

In summer 1972, Saunders embarked on a national public relations tour as Amtrak marked its first anniversary. She visited more than 60 cities in six months, touting the company’s improved on-time performance, local enhancements to passenger rail service, car refurbishment program, new Amtrak vacation packages and the launch of a computerized ticketing and reservation system.

Photographer: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Tricia Saunders Collection.