Don't get me wrong, the DATA that the POS units, coupled with the train's passenger manifest, will provide is all EXACTLY as you state. It will point out numerous inefficiencies and areas that need improvement. But management must read, interpret, and then ACT on the data........
Nothing to do with union contracts or anything. It's just an unwritten courtesy to give other crewmembers free food and amenities when they are commuting on different airlines. It happens to me all the time. However when "non-reving" those folks get the same service offered in the cabin in which they are sitting. But sometimes the FA's feel generous a sneak a meal to their friends or something.
Why would I want to wait for a server to come around and take my order when I can fire it down to the kitchen as soon as I decide and get my meal that much faster?
I fondly recall my early Amtrak travels when I had to use a stubby Ampencil and write out my order on the form; of course the rocking of the Diner didn't help but I always got what I attempted to write down.
I am sure these cuts will add up to the millions needed to save the route. (sarcasm)
Well, I wish I'd known Boardman's stance BEFORE I wasted time penning him a letter. I'm actually surprised he mentioned them. However, it validates what some other posters suggested, that this cut is being done purely for political capital, that is "earning points" (or at least hoping to) with certain detractors
There have also been a few cases where, due to some of the "Chicago issues", the Cap would get equipment late. This tends to trigger a cascade that makes it very difficult to fit coach folks into the diner.
That too is a BIG problem, at least IMHO.
Difficulty? Impossibility -- the union would never allow anything like that to enter the agreement.
I agree, even thou if run correctly, it may actually increase the number of positions that may be needed, which would mean more hours for union employees. Theoretically. But see, the union wouldn't have any control over that, and therein lies the rub. (all speculative, of course) and if the union can't control it, then the union doesn't want to touch it, even if it were good for the union........... Don't get me started. (I still have my Brotherhood union card, pisses me off every time I look at it)
I agree with RyanS on this one. With the limited menu on Amtrak's dining car, I usually know what I want before I even sit down, or can decide within the first 45 seconds. Yet the usual pattern is to sit and wait and wait and wait for the server to show up so they can write it on a piece of paper and carry it over (or down) to the kitchen. If there's a better way, I'm all for it. The romance of eating a meal while the scenery glides by doesn't really kick in, IMO, until you're actually eating. Sitting around wondering if the staff is aware of your existence isn't a fun way to start.
There's an incidental point here: If I'm not mistaken, back in "the day", wouldn't you fill out and hand in your check rather than "having your order taken" as we do now?
Yes, Good SCAs take care of their Cars including the Bathrooms and Shower since they also Live in the Car (Room #1 on Superliners) for the duration of the LD Route!
Udall has no credibility after this quote "“I am proud Amtrak is cutting unnecessary spending in order to ensure the Southwest Chief can continue to serve the residents of Trinidad, Lamar and La Junta"
It seems Senator Udall did not come up with that himself. He was told that by (wait for it)..., Joe Boardman. Here is the quote:
Denver Post
The only congressman I know of who has actually ridden aboard a Long Distance train has been Mike Quigley (D-IL). During the most recent Midwest HSRA roundtable meeting (Jan 30), He stated that he has ridden aboard the Capitol Ltd. Judging from his facial expression, he was not impressed. Udall probably has never been aboard the SW Chief, or any LD train for that matter.
Yarrow, are those snack packs standard issue? I only remember them from when my SCA on the EB was Charles.
i remember charles too. cool guy. as far as the snack packs, my experience has been that when the train is 6+ hours late they hand them out to everybody. we were only around 4 hours late into sea today and they brought out big boxes of them anyway. but i believe they only give them out on late trains not for a sleeper amenity
Never heard of them and all 4 LD trains (Empire Builder) I've ever been on were 6+ hours late. That must be a SEA thing as I've only been in the PDX sleepers.
