Taking Amtrak

[ChiTownScion]

Comment omitted.

 

[ChiTownScion]

Ah. They're cutting the service this year. I see.

Too bad: seemed like a fun journey. Problem is, it seemed like they never claimed "common carrier" status, so they can end it without state hearings.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Ah. They're cutting the service this year. I see.

Too bad: seemed like a fun journey. Problem is, it seemed like they never claimed "common carrier" status, so they can end it without state hearings.

As the saying goes, "what a way to run a railroad."

 

[Fading Fast]

As the saying goes, "what a way to run a railroad."

I don't know all the legal / political distinctions (and don't want to as I am sure they are dense, recondite and would only make me mad anyway), but it appears that the Maine Eastern was not really a commuter or regular passenger service railroad but kinda a fun "take the trip for the sake of the trip" railroad (which is great fun, but not the same as a true passenger service railroad). Is that correct or was it serving more of a commuter client base?

And does it really mean that Amtrak has no opportunity / interest of taking its passenger train further North?

 

[ingineer]

"And does it really mean that Amtrak has no opportunity / interest of taking its passenger train further North? "
You got it, no more trips to Bar Harbor.
No more jobs in Mattawamkeag, Maine
Byebye BAR unless you are a potato,
Too many Falling Flags to count, just short sighted politics
http://www.american-rails.com/fallen-flags.html
Here in the "garden State"all is lost as no one can repair a bridge, or make a new tunnel

 

[emigran]

Just found this thread...
I am a train junkie. steam to be exact... but alas... would have loved to ride a Berkshire through the mountains in the dining car back in the day... sigh... have been on a few tourist train short trips... and spent two days at Steam Town in PA for a great historic foray...Also in '87 I rode an Orient Express-like train from Beijing to Shanghai complete with lace doilies for one's head and a working kitchen...
To get to this post now
From '87 to '90 I rode Amtrak from NY to Boston each weekend. I would sit in the dining car and do paper work and just look out the window. If I recall correctly the price was less than $20 one way...I understand it is now between $100-245...!!!

 

[ChiTownScion]

On a more optimistic note: last year we rode VIA Rail between Toronto and Montreal and return. My wife booked Business class, so I was able to have a nice onboard meal and enjoy free soft drinks. Fast, clean, comfortable, and on time both ways. She's not inclined to like trains, but she really enjoyed it.

Stayed in a really sweet boutique hotel (Hotel Epik) in Old Montreal: converted from an old 19th century stone warehouse. Very romantic city: like San Francisco, it's the kind of place where you can leave your heart.

 

[Wally_Hood]

I am watching this thread with interest~ the Missus and I want to take the train from Los Angeles up to the Seattle area to visit some relatives. I'd be willing to pay the pricey fares for the experience, but I've heard personal stories of surly and rude staff. Perhaps it was an isolated incident, but if any one has any input, I'd like to hear from you.~

 

[Fading Fast]

Wally, I've seen a marked improvement in Amtrak over the last several decades. In particular, in the last ten years, I've noticed a lot of new, younger conductors, attendants, etc. who - overall - are nice, engaged and want to help (and some of the older crew are also like this, but many are not). That said, it is not perfect as the experience is inconsistent and even some of the younger ones aren't great.

But it is absolutely not a uniformly bad experience and, in many cases, a pretty good one. There is a general sloppiness about Amtrak - cars run from basically clean (but not spic and span) to almost dirty and the crew can look sharp to disheveled. It has, at times, a government run feel to it - the customer is not that important. Also, like any business that is struggling for revenue - you can see where corners have been cut or stupid "cost saves" have been implemented that disproportionate hurt the customer experience.

Overall, more recently, its been okay to good. If you expect great uniform service in pin-perfect cars, you'll be very disappointed, but if you are okay with a mix of service and standards so that you can have the train experience, then you'll probably be fine with what you get.

 

[Babydoll]

Wally, I've seen a marked improvement in Amtrak over the last several decades. In particular, in the last ten years, I've noticed a lot of new, younger conductors, attendants, etc. who - overall - are nice, engaged and want to help (and some of the older crew are also like this, but many are not). That said, it is not perfect as the experience is inconsistent and even some of the younger ones aren't great.

My cousin is in her early 30s, and she LOVES her job. She gets a kick out of helping people. She's based out of Seattle, but I think she goes north to Canada on her route. If you're doing LA north, I believe that is the Coast Starlight route. I've done it from Salem north, and it is lovely. The station crew was not helpful, but that was also at least 20 years ago. YMMV.

 

[HudsonHawk]

Here in the "garden State"all is lost as no one can repair a bridge, or make a new tunnel

I'm know what you mean. Amtrak's Sunset Limited no longer has service east of New Orleans as the track was never repaired from Hurricane Katrina. Put the kybosh on those of us wanting to take the train to Spring Training.

 

[ChiTownScion]

I am watching this thread with interest~ the Missus and I want to take the train from Los Angeles up to the Seattle area to visit some relatives. I'd be willing to pay the pricey fares for the experience, but I've heard personal stories of surly and rude staff. Perhaps it was an isolated incident, but if any one has any input, I'd like to hear from you.~

Sorry for the late reply, Wally. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from friends who have taken the Coast Starlight. The train features a lounge car exclusively for first class passengers, with daily wine tastings. I'd definitely go for it if I could make the trip.