Just wanted to provide a quick update...
After receiving your helpful information, I decided to go ahead with it. I am HAPPY to report that my mother arrived safely and I am sure we are going to have a good time in Palm Springs.
A few IMPORTANT notes:
1) Buy the ticket in advance of the day you need to use it. Luckily, I flew into LA and had a friend show me the LA Union Station on Sunday so I would have a better feel for it. I am glad I stayed long enough to inquire about ticket pricing for seniors (my original plan was for her to buy her ticket upon arrival at the station). I found out that the train only runs once a day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and as a result, is usually jam-packed. The ticket for a senior was only $18, so I went ahead and purchased it. She arrived by plane on Tuesday and was able to stay overnight with a friend so the Wednesday train was perfect timing (I'd already left for Palm Springs and didn't want to have to drive back to LA to pick her up, hence the need for a train ride for her). They also had a cart that took her from the entrance of the station to the train itself so she did not have to walk and avoided the inherent train station confusion.
2) Amtrak should be ASHAMED of the teeny tiny faded sign and the horrible directions to the station. It took me almost an hour to finally locate the station. The hotel staff had no clue; neither did the Amtrak customer service rep. I STRONGLY suggest you locate the station BEFORE the expected arrival time as I did.
3) It is also important for seniors who may board the train with the help of a porter to note where their baggage is placed. We had a difficult time trying to locate my mother's luggage because the porter said he'd "take care of it" so she had no idea where her bags were. She (understandably) assumed it would be like an airport where they take your bags off when you arrive at your destination. Not so. I almost had an unintended trip to the next stop!
4) That train stop is TRULY deserted! I ended up taking 3 other passengers to a hotel downtown with me. Just didn't want to leave them alone while they waited on rides with unsure arrival times.
Overall, it was EXACTLY what I needed. Glad to have this site. THANKS A LOT!
We are glad that were able to help!!! Hope you enjoy your stay in our city!!! The temps are just right...sunny & 80
David
That is whast this site is about...Helping people Travel, hotels, things to do, and much more... Without you, we wouldn't have this site... Tell us what you think, & if you have something good to say about the desert...POST IT HERE!!!
You are welcome for the info, on Amtrack....