Silver Star service changes 2024

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Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Messages
263
Location
Manchester, MO
On March 7 we took the Silver Star from WPB to DC, having a Viewliner 2 roomette. Our SCA was great. Concerned that the conductor never came, while waiting for one of the two restrooms I did meet her when she came out and asked about her seeing our ticket (knowing from Amtrak Unlimited discussion to make sure this happens). She replied "Oh yes I saw it," adding that she's worked for Amtrak for over 20 years. The sleeping car was very nice (on Superliners we avoid roomettes because they're so cramped, or we get two). We didn't appreciate going down the aisle day or night and waiting for a restroom at busy times, so in that regard we like the Viewliner 1, not to mention its much nicer wheelchair-accessible bedroom (which we had once from NYC to Chicago after a broken leg). After our afternoon boarding at WPB we had lunch with tablecloth, flowers, Amtrak silverware, etc. and it was delicious. The waiter asked us to sit on one side of the table so that someone else could be seated across from us. So also at dinner, breakfast, and lunch the next day we both sat facing forward but nobody ever joined us and there were at least a couple of empty tables at all times. All meals and the service were great. The train was always on time or very close. We didn't notice any rough sections, and the sleepers were at the rear, so if horn-blowing caused any problem we were unaware of it.
 
Whats up with the Silver Star? It seems to be sold out in the rooms after November 2024 all the way to April 2025.
 
Whats up with the Silver Star? It seems to be sold out in the rooms after November 2024 all the way to April 2025.
Try reserving it from Washington with a NEC connection. There are rumors that the Capitol Limited is going single level. using the Silver Star consist, and maybe through running Cicago to Miami. Just remember that these are rumors with no basis in fact :)
 
Try reserving it from Washington with a NEC connection. There are rumors that the Capitol Limited is going single level. using the Silver Star consist, and maybe through running Cicago to Miami. Just remember that these are rumors with no basis in fact :)
Yea, I was looking at NYP- MIAMI.
 
Thanks. Is there a reason?
This is the primary candidate:
Try reserving it from Washington with a NEC connection. There are rumors that the Capitol Limited is going single level. using the Silver Star consist, and maybe through running Cicago to Miami. Just remember that these are rumors with no basis in fact :)
 
Could they be starting the trains in D.C. and, if so, why?
Rumor is they are going to shift the Capitol Limited to single level from Superliner, truncate the Star to Washington and use its consist for the Capitol.

Another data point is on the same date as the sales start being blocked on the Star north of WAS the Capitol's inventory in the reservations system appears to shift from a pattern consistent with two Superliner sleepers to one consistent with two Viewliners. 4 Bedrooms instead of 10, no Family Room.
 
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Rumor is they are going to shift the Capitol Limited to single level from Superliner, truncate the Star to Washington and use its consist for the Capitol.

Another data point is on the same date as the sales start being blocked on the Star north of WAS the Capitol's inventory in the reservations system appears to shift from a pattern consistent with two Superliner sleepers to one consistent with two Viewliners. 4 Bedrooms instead of 10, no Family Room.
This is a great idea. It would be nice if they could have a couple through cars from New York. This will free up some Superliners for other service.
 
Just out of curiosity, I looked for some dates in April, 2025. They show the Star "Sold Out". The Meteor still shows all the way to NYP. These are Star trips offered to WAS with transfers to NE Regional or Acela to continue to PHL and/or NYP

It does appear that the Star will truncate at WAS starting on 11/9/2024 with only the Meteor offering a connection to NYP from Florida on Fridays and Saturdays. There are transfers to NE Regional and Acela Sunday-Thursday to continue to PHL and/or NYP.
 
Just out of curiosity, I looked for some dates in April, 2025. They show the Star "Sold Out". The Meteor still shows all the way to NYP. These are Star trips offered to WAS with transfers to NE Regional or Acela to continue to PHL and/or NYP

It does appear that the Star will truncate at WAS starting on 11/9/2024 with only the Meteor offering a connection to NYP from Florida on Fridays and Saturdays. There are transfers to NE Regional and Acela Sunday-Thursday to continue to PHL and/or NYP.
Some trains may be truncated for a period of time due to tunnel work around New York Penn Station over the next year or two.
 
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