I ocasionally use AMTRAK between NY, Washington and Boston. If any of you were running AMTRAK and would implement improvements of any kind (fares, equipment, service, equipment, food, whatever) what would those suggestions be?
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Originally Posted by Tommy:
I ocasionally use AMTRAK between NY, Washington and Boston. If any of you were running AMTRAK and would implement improvements of any kind (fares, equipment, service, equipment, food, whatever) what would those suggestions be?
In my opinion, making any suggestions on this forum would be a waste of time, since Amtrak isn't about to change much, what with all the controversy of PTC.
Been a long time, but the last time I rode, the seats were not designed for looking out the window. I guess most customers are reading the WSJ or some legislative act, and could care less about the scenery.
Well the hardware is what it is. Hopefully it's kept clean and well maintained. I want a nice seat whether it's in coach, dining car, or lavatory.
The cuisine is not as good as I recall in years past. It seems to get more like "fast food" than "real food" each time we travel.
On a side note ; Expand and Improve Downeaster service from Boston to Portland Maine. Higher train speeds along with improved track. Currently the time is 2 hours each way.
Also adding an extra 1-2 more trains a day. Downeaster is one of Amtraks busiest regional routes. Connecting tracks to Boston South station would allow trains to go direct from Maine to DC too.
Also adding an extra 1-2 more trains a day. Downeaster is one of Amtraks busiest regional routes. Connecting tracks to Boston South station would allow trains to go direct from Maine to DC too.
Clean them on the outside also. need more viewliners.
The restrooms are disgusting, how can airline toilets be better than Amtrak. Are they ever cleaned and odor free?
Originally Posted by bob2:
Been a long time, but the last time I rode, the seats were not designed for looking out the window.
Yes, you have to actually turn your head to look out the window!
I guess most customers are reading the WSJ or some legislative act, and could care less about the scenery.
Right......nothing like stereotyping the riders that commute every day to work into 2 pigeon holes.
It's my 1st choice to travel between DC and Philly or NY. Maybe if you try driving it a few days in a row, you might get a slightly different perspective; flying might be an option for those with time and money to burn.
Suggesting improvements here might have an impact of.....oh....round about nil.
Bigger windows on the View liners that are at seat level. Extend the NEC to Maine in the North and newport news VA in the south with cantenary and Charlotte abnd Pittsburg, PA to the West
Just make them run on time. My train home from York arrived 40 minutes late. That experience is, unfortunately, quite typical.
SJS
They need newer equipment, and when it comes to the northeast corridor. Billions in infrastructure spending. Don't know where the money is going to come with Massive dept and all the pointless wasted spending that is the federal budget.
Federal highways receive US Highway funding in 100's of billions of dollars talk about waste. Amtrak receives 1% of that allotment of funds. Our Mass transportation infrastructure is a joke compared to other 1st world nations. Just my opinion.
I find the Amfleet cars comfortable. However the bathrooms can be quite messy. I think car cleaners used to come on board to clean up, then drop them off at a stop "down the line". That was some time ago. Once upon a time railroads had car attendants assigned to one or 2 cars or more to tidy up, etc. They were probably premium trains like the Congressional, etc. I think they are still on the long distant routes.
Also I would like to travel all the way to Bangor, ME by a fast train without changing in Boston from South Sta. to North Sta. I guess many have an Amtrak wish list, but economics and budget dictates.
