Passenger service representative speaking with the mayor of New Haven, Conn., 1971.
Black and white photograph showing Passenger Service Representative Tricia Saunders speaking with New Haven Mayor Bartholomew F. Guida; image likely dates to 1971.
- Photograph Details
-
- Date Archived:
- September 9, 2015
- Geography:
- Northeast
- Decade:
- 1970s
- Data Format:
- Image
- Date Created:
- 1971
- Download the full-sized version of this photo
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.
Here, Saunders speaks with New Haven Mayor Bartholomew F. Guida to promote Amtrak services in the Northeast. She presented him with a model of a high-speed Metroliner car and an Amtrak button. Based on Saunders's uniform, this meeting probably occurred in 1971.
Photographer: Unknown. From the Tricia Saunders Collection.
