Santa Fe

Review is on the Sante Fe Depot station. I have mixed feelings on the depot and its staff. (Amtrak). I arrived, expecting to ride the surfliner from the depot to Oceanside. I have never really been on a train before. Im in my 60s with advanced cancer and trying to do somethings with my wife. I approached the amtrak counter and explained I would like to take a train ride, get off by the beach for an hour then ride back. He was extremely nice and helpful. I did not even know how to get a ticket. He actually left the counter area, showed me the ticket machine and how to use it. Then introduced me to the train personnel who Was also a great help and friendly. The trip was fantastic. The problem was not until I returned, got off the train and walked into the Sante fe depot. I walked over to the restroom (had a combo lock on the door, like many do). I approached the counter and asked a young lady if I could have the combo to use the restroom. She asked if I used the train. I said yes, i just got off and pointed to the train outside the door. She said do you have a ticket? I said yes and showed her 2 tickets (for my wife and myself ) with the receipt. She then said, im sorry, youre not allowed to use the restroom. I asked why not? She told me I need a amtrak ticket and I rode the Coaster train which is not Amtrak, but shares the depot station. The surfliner was my original intention (Amtrak) but Amtrak personnel put me on the Coaster because of the timing and goes to the same place. I hold nothing against that gentleman. He had nothing but my best interest at heart. But the young lady who denied me use of the restroom really put a bad ending to my trip. Especially when I saw a couple homeless stand by the door and wait for somebody to come out and then go in. I should have done the same thing, but I tend to follow rules. (Another case where being honest -doesn’t pay). Now I should mention the depot appears to be a clean and interesting place. There is a small place/counter to order a sandwich or soda and appeared to be well kept and clean. I wonder if I ordered a bottle of water, drank it, became a Amtrak customer, if i could have used the restroom? Or here, drink this and go to the restroom somewhere else? Maybe if I was younger, but a older gentleman like me just simply cant always wait for a restroom for very long.

Safest transit station in the county, very lovely. The courtyard area is nice with a cool designated smoking area on the far end instead of some dingy corner like others. I wish the employees wouldn't call unhoused people "the homeless problem" when I asked why they removed the water fountain and locked the bathrooms which is bad for Amtrak customers as well. Hoping they won't soon have roped-off waiting room seats like in LA.