AutoTrain - Priority Vehicle Offloading available starting April 29

[afigg]

Amtrak is offering Priority Vehicle Offloading on the AT for an extra $50 for the first 20 cars starting on April 29, new option for sale starting April 9. There is a page on the website describing the new extra cost option.

Being on the road faster gets you to your destination sooner. Now you can speed up your journey with a time-saving upgrade option for Auto Train. Starting April 9, 2013, passengers who reserve Priority Vehicle Offloading for travel beginning on April 29, 2013 are guaranteed that their vehicle will be one of the first 20 offloaded from the train.
Reserve this upgrade for only $50 by calling 1-800-SKIP-I-95 or visiting any staffed Amtrak Ticket Office and request the addition of "Priority Vehicle Offloading" to your travel reservation. Only 20 Priority Vehicle Offloading upgrades are available per train so book your Auto Train trip and call for this upgrade

Good to see one of the recommendations in the LD PIP reports get implemented. Should make for a nice extra revenue stream for the AT from those who are in a hurry. I wonder if there will be any notable difference in priority offloading sales going north or south? Will more people be in a hurry to get on the road on arrival in Lorton or in Sanford or will it be about the same?

 

[MiRider]

Carnival Cruise Lines just started something like that too, it's called Faster to the Fun and it's also $50 and limited to, I think, 50 passengers.

Priorty boarding, debarking, reservations and other perks.

I bought it for my upcoming cruises and if I ever find myself on the Auto Train, I'd definitely purchase Priority Vehicle Offloading.

It's actual something that's value added unlike putting out more cash just to take a piece of luggage on a plane, not to mention airport hassles.

 

[The Davy Crockett]

If one arrives into Lorton on a weekday, it might actually be better to not pay the $50 bucks, depending on how the morning commute on I-95 north from Lorton has gone!

 

[battalion51]

I know they've been piloting this (at no charge to the lucky receivers) and it seems like it has worked out well to this point. There will now be four sets of vehicle IDs, Pxx, AVPxx, xxx, and AVxxx.

 

[dlagrua]

The least that you will wait to get your car on the A/T is about 5 minutes and the most is just over 1 hour. On our 7 trips we averaged about 30 minutes for our car to be brought to us

When one travels by train it is usually accepted that you are not taking the fastest transportation available. Is a 30 minute savings worth $50? Have we arrived at a point in life where anxiety runs so high that a a 30-60 minute wait is so terrible? I say that only a few but the most mentally disturbed will partake of this new servicve option.

 

[rrdude]

Southbound, I'm in, and will DEF use that. And we have waited WELL OVER AN HOUR, and once were third from the last, to get our vehicle. The last vehicle usually gets a token gift of shirt, book, or something, at least in SFA.

I'd pay double the $50. EZ

 

[battalion51]

This really is a no brainer decision for Amtrak. There is minimal, if any incremental cost, but there's a potential for an extra $1000 per train in revenue. Even if it sells 50% of its capacity you're looking at an additional $365,000 in revenue a year (365 days x 2 trains/day x $50 x 10 units sold) with potential revenue of $730,000. There are very few ideas Amtrak comes up with that result in additional revenue with minimal expense. About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

Carnival Cruise Lines just started something like that too, it's called Faster to the Fun and it's also $50 and limited to, I think, 50 passengers.Priorty boarding, debarking, reservations and other perks.

I bought it for my upcoming cruises and if I ever find myself on the Auto Train, I'd definitely purchase Priority Vehicle Offloading.

That is what immediately came to my mind too.

Now, if Amtrak would just add priority dinner reservations too.

 

[afigg]

When one travels by train it is usually accepted that you are not taking the fastest transportation available. Is a 30 minute savings worth $50? Have we arrived at a point in life where anxiety runs so high that a a 30-60 minute wait is so terrible? I say that only a few but the most mentally disturbed will partake of this new servicve option.

You see from the responses here that some people will indeed pay $50 for priority offloading. Those who can afford to pay $50 without a concern for the outlay and want to get going on arrival or just hate standing around waiting to be called, will pay. If someone's final destination is southern FL or the Keys, they may pay the $50 so they can hit the road shortly after arrival in Sanford.
Once the priority offloading is established, it would be interesting to see how much additional revenue Amtrak gets from it. The extra revenue will be folded into the ticket revenue in the monthly reports unless they make a special mention of it.

 

[benjibear]

So to use priority you have to check your car by 2:30 at your destination station. With regular offloading you have to arrive by 3:00.

I don't think the extra cost is worth it.

 

[RampWidget]

This really is a no brainer decision for Amtrak. There is minimal, if any incremental cost, but there's a potential for an extra $1000 per train in revenue. Even if it sells 50% of its capacity you're looking at an additional $365,000 in revenue a year (365 days x 2 trains/day x $50 x 10 units sold) with potential revenue of $730,000. There are very few ideas Amtrak comes up with that result in additional revenue with minimal expense. About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

Great analysis! Well-done.

 

[The Davy Crockett]

About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

Amtrak already does this in a manner. Roughly it is called Business Class - or First Class on the Acelas and Sleeper (or First) Class on the long distance trains.

 

[rrdude]

So to use priority you have to check your car by 2:30 at your destination station. With regular offloading you have to arrive by 3:00.
I don't think the extra cost is worth it.

Not really how it works.

Currently, no matter when you arrive, first in line, or the last car they take in at the 3:00-m cut-off, WHEN you get your car at the destination is purely a "Crap Shoot". I've been 5th car off, and 3rd from last car off. And when you have a carload of kids, and they want to hit the beach, visit Grandpa, go see the "Mouse", or anything else, the last thing you want to do is "hang around" waiting for your car to be off-loaded.

The way I read it, I'd make my rezzy on line, then call Amtrak, add the $50.00 to guarantee one of first twenty off, and then arrive any time before 2:30PM. It's just a 30 minute earlier cut-off, that's all. So "YES" it's a win-win for me. (We always try to arrive by 2:00pm anyway, 'cause traffic, flat tire, or constuction can kill you, and obviously if you miss the train, you are so HOSED it's not even worth discussing........) We check-in, drop one parent off to make early dinner reszzy, then drive to get the kids a sandwich, Red Box, etc, and just need to be "back" by the 3:00pm cut-off.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

Amtrak already does this in a manner. Roughly it is called Business Class - or First Class on the Acelas and Sleeper (or First) Class on the long distance trains.

Or Red Cap, but Amtrak doesn't get that $$.

 

[AlanB]

So to use priority you have to check your car by 2:30 at your destination station. With regular offloading you have to arrive by 3:00.
I don't think the extra cost is worth it.

If you're driving an SUV, then you already have to be there by 2 PM anyhow. The early cutoff only affects people driving cars.

And with the AT, if you want your pick of dinner times, then it's best to arrive by 1 PM anyhow, otherwise you may well find yourself at the 9:00 PM dinner seating.

 

[battalion51]

About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

Amtrak already does this in a manner. Roughly it is called Business Class - or First Class on the Acelas and Sleeper (or First) Class on the long distance trains.

I understand that, but what about the folks who don't want to pay the accommodation charge for BC? What if you just want to make sure you get a window seat on the Engineer's side, in the middle of the Quiet Car? Or if you have a family and want to ensure you've got four seats together? Or if you need one of the coveted conference tables? BC and FC don't solve that problem. As AmtrakBlue said currently a Red Cap is the solution, but Amtrak doesn't see that cash. Even though I've got an assigned seat when I fly, I still appreciate the priority boarding I receive so I can get on the aircraft, get my overhead space, and get settled before the cattle call of the flying public who doesn't understand the principle of "clear the aisle" gets on.

 

[Texan Eagle]

If someone at Amtrak headquarters is listening, I have a couple of other similar ideas that can increase Amtrak's revenue-

1) Priority seating in Sightseer Lounge on California Zephyr out of Denver for the Rockies crossing. Get the best views, for $5 per passenger only!

2) Priority dinner seating. Makes sure all your favorite entrees are still available and hot. Again, only $5 per passenger!

3) Priority behavior - For only $5 per passengers per day, the onboard staff including coach/sleeper attendant, dining car attendant and conductor will not give you rude grumpy responses... wait, that's a bit too much to ask for!

 

[rrdude]

So to use priority you have to check your car by 2:30 at your destination station. With regular offloading you have to arrive by 3:00.
I don't think the extra cost is worth it.

If you're driving an SUV, then you already have to be there by 2 PM anyhow. The early cutoff only affects people driving cars.

And with the AT, if you want your pick of dinner times, then it's best to arrive by 1 PM anyhow, otherwise you may well find yourself at the 9:00 PM dinner seating.

Last two years, I've paid for a "regular car" and driven my Honda Pilot in, without even a nod from the "gatekeeper". I imagine a BIGGER SUV might neccessitate a re-check. But I think I got the tip to register as "car" from these boards.........

 

[Ryan]

About the only other item I could come up with that would have a similar effect is priority boarding at stations like South Station, New York Penn, Washington Union, and Chicago Union. But that would probably be $5-$10/head, but you have a much larger potential audience that would take advantage.

Amtrak already does this in a manner. Roughly it is called Business Class - or First Class on the Acelas and Sleeper (or First) Class on the long distance trains.

I understand that, but what about the folks who don't want to pay the accommodation charge for BC? What if you just want to make sure you get a window seat on the Engineer's side, in the middle of the Quiet Car? Or if you have a family and want to ensure you've got four seats together? Or if you need one of the coveted conference tables? BC and FC don't solve that problem. As AmtrakBlue said currently a Red Cap is the solution, but Amtrak doesn't see that cash. Even though I've got an assigned seat when I fly, I still appreciate the priority boarding I receive so I can get on the aircraft, get my overhead space, and get settled before the cattle call of the flying public who doesn't understand the principle of "clear the aisle" gets on.

I think that's why he said "in a manner" and "roughly", indicating that it's not exactly the same thing.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

And with the AT, if you want your pick of dinner times, then it's best to arrive by 1 PM anyhow, otherwise you may well find yourself at the 9:00 PM dinner seating.

That is why I thought this should also include priority dinner time selection. If you arrive at 2:30pm, you can still get 6:00pm (if that's what you want).

 

[dlagrua]

Every time I have been on the A/T it has arrived early. We already spend 14 hours on the train, another 30 or 60 minute wait isn't a big deal and going to make any difference to us. If there is so much anxiety and so much grief to be expereinced for the small wait to get your car, I suggest that those travelers head to the airport and they can be in Florida in two hours. Anyone get the impression that people are impatient these days? If that's the case they should be aware that patience brings peace and tranquility, while impatience brings conflict and stress. The choice couldn't be clearer.

 

[Anthony]

Last two years, I've paid for a "regular car" and driven my Honda Pilot in, without even a nod from the "gatekeeper". I imagine a BIGGER SUV might neccessitate a re-check. But I think I got the tip to register as "car" from these boards.........

It no longer really matters -- the cost is the same.

 

[Ryan]

Every time I have been on the A/T it has arrived early. We already spend 14 hours on the train, another 30 or 60 minute wait isn't a big deal and going to make any difference to us. If there is so much anxiety and so much grief to be expereinced for the small wait to get your car, I suggest that those travelers head to the airport and they can be in Florida in two hours. Anyone get the impression that people are impatient these days? If that's the case they should be aware that patience brings peace and tranquility, while impatience brings conflict and stress. The choice couldn't be clearer.

Surely it must occur to you from time to time that your experience doesn't mean that the train is *always* early and that different people value things differently.
The wait isn't always small, and some people have legitimate reasons for wanting to be on the road quickly. That doesn't mean that they should fly or have to suffer being scolded for their "impatience".

 

[SarahZ]

Every time I have been on the A/T it has arrived early. We already spend 14 hours on the train, another 30 or 60 minute wait isn't a big deal and going to make any difference to us. If there is so much anxiety and so much grief to be expereinced for the small wait to get your car, I suggest that those travelers head to the airport and they can be in Florida in two hours. Anyone get the impression that people are impatient these days? If that's the case they should be aware that patience brings peace and tranquility, while impatience brings conflict and stress. The choice couldn't be clearer.

While I do enjoy the train ride, I don't enjoy sitting still while waiting in a line of people. I want to be in motion, on the go, so when the train stops and I'm just sitting there waiting to start my vacation in Florida, that $50 becomes worth it. It's not about the length of time; it's about being idle and waiting...and waiting...and waiting. Those 14 hours on the train, enjoying the scenery going by, are worlds different than sitting at a station wishing I could be out in the fresh air.

Compare it to the people who buy the Fast Passes at Disney World. Would you rather stand in line in the sun for an hour, or would you rather skip the line and, consequently, be able to ride more rides? Does this mean they're "anxious and full of grief"? No. I see it as they want to get as much enjoyment out of their trip as possible.

I'm perfectly happy with the way I am - always energetic and rarin' to go - and I'd rather experience life than stand in line. I don't see how waiting in line is the "clear" choice when I could be in the sun and fresh air that much sooner. If this makes me "mentally disturbed", so be it.

Additionally, I cannot simply stop being impatient any more than you can start being impatient. You're assuming it's a choice. It's not.

 

[AlanB]

Last two years, I've paid for a "regular car" and driven my Honda Pilot in, without even a nod from the "gatekeeper". I imagine a BIGGER SUV might neccessitate a re-check. But I think I got the tip to register as "car" from these boards.........

It no longer really matters -- the cost is the same.

Well if you're using AGR points, then yes the cost is the same without regard to what type of space you've booked.

However, if one is paying, while the bucket price levels are the same, the buckets can easily be at different levels resulting in one seeing a higher price to book one type of vehicle as compared to the other type.

What I don't understand however is why Amtrak continues to state that SUV's must be there 1 hour earlier than cars. That policy used to make sense when SUV's had to be loaded into special 2 level car carriers, while the cars were loaded in the general and more numerous 3 level car carriers. Now all the carriers are two levels, so it really doesn't matter what type of vehicle one has or when one shows up, as long as one is there by 3 PM. Yet Amtrak continues to state in multiple places that SUV's & Van's must be there by 2 PM or risk not going on that day's train.