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Categorically I agree. This also applies to state and local transit agencies - agencies that likewise including in my state are often not always the most transparent. Seems like a collective failure here. As to the degree of assigning blame in this particular case I’ve heard enough about the...

This is an example of why communication at the early stages of a project and getting it right the first time is critical. I’m going to be limited on what I opine on this issue at this point because I want to see if anything further comes out and if Amtrak decides to put out “their side” of the...

If it ends up being Amtrak it will almost certainly be Horizons. That’s what they’re putting aside for route expansion. Some of the literature does seem to hint at them trying to procure equipment as well as something about putting out bids for operators - so they may be hoping to bid this out...

It’s actually split now from what I heard on board. The Capitol Limited was staffed out of Washington and all the OBS staff that carried over to the Floridian from the Cap are out of Washington. Some new dining car jobs needed to support traditional dining were added when they shifted to the...

I believe this was a fall change. As mentioned they needed additional coaches to build a set for the Floridian. They also recently added a fourth coach to the Meteor so that was likely one of the places the coaches came from.

I believe you are correct and that the Adirondack is all Amfleet 1 now.

That can certainly happen. But typically if you head there as soon as the track is known it’s pretty quick.

You can also use the elevators on the east end of the train hall to avoid walking down to the West End Concourse. They also bypass the line. I wait in the metropolitan lounge - when they announce the track in the lounge (usually before it goes on the PIDS) I head down the lounge escalator and...

I heard an anecdotal report from someone on the internet that eventually GE gave Amtrak more access to the software after prodding which helped reduce en route service interruptions. The same person stated that Amtrak has been pushing to get more software access to the Chargers but Siemens has...

VIA is also having issues with its new trainsets so it’s not just Amtrak. It’s great that Brightline is able to do what they do but they also have a closed system that allows them to manicure their equipment in the way they do. There May some lessons that are applicable to VIA and Amtrak from...

That isn’t correct. Amtrak does for the units they own. The state owned equipment does not. This video is pure railfan speculation and is simply a compilation of all the common rumors and speculation on railfan boards and presenting it in a video and includes very little actual evidence to...

Incentive payments are still a thing.

BNSF has one of the stricter rules regarding locomotives on the northern transcon. They require three below 0 and two at all other times. This is one reason why seeing freight locomotives is rather common on the Builder. If Amtrak loses a unit BNSF requires them to take a freight unit. On some...

3 locomotives are required if sub zero temperatures are predicted anywhere between St. Paul and Spokane at time of initial departure. Doesn’t matter what type of locomotive is used.

Amtrak came up with an accessible single level long distance concept that was approved by FRA at the same time as the bilevel plan they ultimately went with. If they decided they needed to pivot to single level they’d use that as the base.

In my experience Amtrak is actually pretty good about “making it right” when there is an issue. At least on issues I have had

I could see cooperation on single level for the basic design and big picture items, but there would be differences in interiors, accommodation types, programming, etc. I don’t see Amtrak doing berths as an example. It wouldn’t be a carbon copy.

I think it’s important to remember that VIA has somewhat different priorities. They are essentially running the Canadian as a land cruise service that also serves a few remote stops that don’t have many other transportation options. Amtrak’s LD trains run much more frequently and provide more...

Last night the Senate confirmed the four nominees to the Amtrak Board. As I stated before the nominees were advanced out of the Commerce committee through a deal between Chair Maria Cantwell and Ranking Member Ted Cruz to advance the two Republican nominees Ron Battory and Lanhee Chen and two of...

on the long distance coaches they’re talking about a “hybrid” recline. The seat bottom would come forward like on the Ventures but the seat back would also go back in a true recline a certain amount. The amount of true recline in the premium seats would be greater. Even Amtrak’s Airos won’t be...