A few months ago, I purchased a special PDX to Seattle r/t Amtrak ticket...even though I planned to get on in Vancouver, and off in Olympia. Amtrak said that was no problem. The $32 r/t ticket was cheaper than the VAN/OLY option.
Last weekend was when I used it. On the return leg, I had my luggage, plus a large paper shopping bag full of Christmas goodies. It was raining hard when they called us to board the train. I was more focused on trying to keep somewhat dry, while carefully managing the luggage and goodies.
Anyhoo, when on-board, I was able to store my luggage in on of the racks in the vestibule, but not the goodies bag. I decided I would find a seat, then figure that out later.
As everyone was finding seats and settling in, the conductor came by asking for tickets. (By the way, a "ticket" is simply what you can print out at home, then they scan the barcode with their smart phones.) I couldn't find it. I knew I had the ticket in the station, but figured it must have fallen out of my jacket when I was fumbling and bumbling scurrying to get on the train.
When it was apparent that I didn't have my ticket, a few of those around me began to "size me up" while also looking at my big bag. I can only imagine what was on their minds.
Anyway, the conductor asked me to step into the vestibule with him to get things figured out. He asked for my last name. I gave it to him. He then said that I wasn't on his "list." I'm, like, hmmmm. Then it hit me. I was "supposed" to be coming out of Seattle. I told him about the discount thing. He then re-checked and found me at that point. He then said all is well and that I could go sit down. Oh, and I found a good, safe spot in the luggage rack for my Christmas goods. All was well.
Except....
a) He never asked me for any ID at any point
b) He trusted that the name I gave was good. In other words, anyone could have paid for and printed out the ticket and given to me
c) Nobody ever checked my luggage. The Christmas package and/or my luggage could have contained a bomb. No problemo
I have NO idea as to why the security was so lax. It was rather concerning as I processed that whole ordeal and the trip home.