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Amtrak vs Via Rail...

Mike W.Mike W.OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Just something that I am curious about there.  Both Amtrak and VIA are similar in that both struggle for funding from a disinterested government.  Yet looking at this video...how does VIA get such elegant modern equipment...sleepers...coaches...business class coaches with very unique seats.  Lots of food options...trendy food options...not Mrs. Freshley Cookies or a pretzel in a lounge car on Amtrak.  Even at table food service.  Looks like they manage to do this without struggling..Amtrak makes it sound like such a struggle to offer this.  I have no doubt many Northeast travelers would pay a bit more for real business class with gourmet tray meals...and cool seats.  

 

Biggest difference of all!!!! look how much cleaner a VIA train is. The last Northeast regional we road...and Acela both had food all over the floor...even broken parts around the seats..panels flopping lose.  Etc.  Is it difficult to keep the equipment clean and in good condition?

 

https://youtu.be/WOHB-FLClFs

 

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Bill RobbBill RobbOGR Forum Member

Well, I don't know you would call the Renaissance Cars elegant.  

 

The Renaissance cars were built in the 1990s by  Metro Cammell for overnight service through the Chunnel. When that concept was abandoned in 2000, Via Rail acquired these cars second hand, including many unfinished shells.

 

The coach seating is very cramped, allowing no carry-on luggage and only three seats abreast.  The sleeping car accommodation may be OK, but even that may be cramped. Note that the exterior steps are high with absolutely no hand rail.These cars are also completely unaccessible. I've ridden these coaches at times on the Corridor and they are greatly inferior to the LRC coaches.

N naveenrajanOGR Forum Member

Bill,

Didn’t VIA Rail recently lose a lawsuit brought by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities for lack of handicap access in these tiny Renaissance cars? Maybe they were better suited for British rail service, not for use in North America.

These are just my opinion,

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

 
Originally Posted by Bill Robb:

Well, I don't know you would call the Renaissance Cars elegant.  

 

The Renaissance cars were built in the 1990s by  Metro Cammell for overnight service through the Chunnel. When that concept was abandoned in 2000, Via Rail acquired these cars second hand, including many unfinished shells.

 

The coach seating is very cramped, allowing no carry-on luggage and only three seats abreast.  The sleeping car accommodation may be OK, but even that may be cramped. Note that the exterior steps are high with absolutely no hand rail.These cars are also completely unaccessible. I've ridden these coaches at times on the Corridor and they are greatly inferior to the LRC coaches.

 

NH New Haven JoeOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have a friend who does maintenance for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) sytem.  BART is similar to a subway but most of it is above ground.  He tells me that a train that leaves the yard after just being cleaned it is totally trashed at the end of its first run.  Most runs take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Perhaps the reason that Amtrak trains are not clean is that we Americans are slobs.  We do not take care of public property.  There isn't a cleaning crew in the world that can keep up with an uncaring public that just dumps trash everywhere. 

NH Joe

V VistaDomeScottOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The VIA Renaissance cars are rusting away prematurely while the Budd built stainless steel rolls onward with elegance. 

Amtrak had a former President Tom Downs who treated Amtrak like NJ Transit and believed all "old" heritage equipment should be retired.  He lacked the sense to know that long distance trains require more grandure than daily commuters.  Tom Downs was great for NJ Transit, but eliminated Amtraks most interesting cars and in my opinion reduced Amtrak's allure for more than just transportation.

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