By Mary Carter
Eagle Times Correspondent
On a gorgeous fall day in Claremont, NH, Amtrak travelers gather at the Plains Road and Maple Ave depot. Some passengers appear to know the ropes, while others are clearly wondering what they need to do.
No worries. Train hosts Maggie and Jim May were there to help.
The Mays joined the Claremont NH Station Host Association just before COVID-19 shut down life as people knew it.
“It was odd, all those months waiting for the governor of Vermont to OK train travel once again,” Maggie said.
Claremont is home to the only Amtrak stop in western New Hampshire. When “All aboard!” could once again be heralded in July 2022, the Mays were back in their blue caps and volunteer vests, smiling at the station.
“Our motivation to be train hosts comes from the fact we like helping people and we love to travel,” Maggie said, relating how stressful it can be at times to travel. “We aim to make it a positive experience for newcomers who get on and off the trains in an isolated part of Claremont.”
Fellow host Scott Magnuson grew up fascinated by the trains that rolled by his home near the tracks of the Concord and Claremont Railroad. Combining his love of trains and bikes, Magnuson worked at the Claremont Cycle Depot, which was located inside the station.
“Whenever someone came in asking about the trains, the manager would say, ‘Let me get the expert,’” said Magnuson, who assisted travelers and voluntarily cleaned snow off the platform every season.
He read about a train committee formed by members of Claremont’s City Council. Attending meetings, Magnuson was able to answer their questions about Amtrak operations. He then joined the committee, promoting train travel on the Vermonter.
Not long after, the Train Host Association was formed and a new waiting pavilion was created completely by donation. The group has no affiliation with Amtrak, other than as goodwill ambassadors.
Indeed, Amtrak patrons are pleasantly surprised by the greeters at Claremont’s depot. On this particular day, a first-time visiting New York bound passenger is grateful to learn how and where she will present her ticket, and what is done with her luggage.
“We let people who are waiting in cars know that they need to be visible on the platform, or the Vermonter will go racing by,” the Mays explain. “We also stay with folks until their rides arrive. It makes our visitors feel comfortable and cared for.”
The Mays once went beyond their call of duty by assisting a young woman who, escaping an abusive relationship, needed to secure a ticket without it being traced to her credit card or phone. With mere minutes to spare before the train rolled in, the Mays were able to get her safely on her way.
Guests aren’t arriving at an area offering food or taxi service so because of limited transportation services, the train hosts often offer a ride into town.
“We’re here to make travelers feel that they’re not so far from home,” Maggie said.
The Claremont train hosts have all of 90 seconds to make an impression—and they do.
Their warmth and kindness are reflected on the faces of the patrons, as well as with the crew of the Vermonter who know that, because of these dedicated hosts, their patrons’ journeys have started well.
The Train Host Group is looking to add to its roster of smiling volunteers. For information, call 603-542-6454 or email [email protected]. Better still, visit the Claremont Depot during station stops at 12:06 and 5:47 daily. The hosts on hand will be happy to demonstrate what a difference your time and your generous goodwill can make.
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