So the whole process of using a California Rail Pass has been an adventure.

The site says you can’t buy the pass online but must call in to buy it. You call in they say you have to go to a staffed station to buy it.

To use it I’ve been advised to call in.

Now I’ve bought it and have actually tried to use it… and let me tell you I’m a few hours and multiple phone calls without success. Usually these go until a computer malfunction or they transfer me to a number that doesn’t exist or doesn’t have hours….

I am fairly sure none of the people on the phone actually know how to use the rail pass. They ask me details very slowly and in a different order each time as if they are poking around for a way to use it. One even told me they had successfully booked it before I even had told them what day or time I wanted it for… None of them seem to admit they don’t use the rail pass and after 30-45 minutes of being on the phone transferred.

How this has gone thus far is: 1st time - wherever they transferred me was offline till tomorrow. It was not their hours. 2nd time - transfer failed call dropped 3rd time - computer systems went down and they couldn’t help

I’m in line for a 4th call but at this rate I will likely run into the first issue again…..

Does anyone know how to actually use the California rail pass or how I might be able to help the reps help me use it? If I could say something easy like “could you please just transfer me to x department” or “hi do you know how to use the ca rail pass or could you pass me to a coworker who might” idk

It really seems like the only way to use this pass is over the phone but they have not trained the people on the phone how to use it….