The site owner mentioned how much bandwidth AI bots suck up at times as they try to gather info and "learn" things. He did mention during times when such use became egregious he may be forced to close the site to non-members as a preventive measure.

I'd say this is the better possibility, although that message makes it sound like too many people have come to hear what 484 has to say, or more likely, he overloaded the site on his very own.

FWIW, I think about all a bot could "learn" there is that Amtrak sucks, the car windows are dirty, and fat old men demand a diner on every train. Oh, and let's not forget that yesterday was the last day of the MRL's existence. Good heavens!