California Zephyr first time rider

[caravanman]

Prohibiting passengers from opening windows is not just another of those arbitrary “rules”. It can be downright dangerous at times, such as passing a freight train either standing or moving on an adjacent track, where sometimes things like steel cargo tie-down bands can be loose, and can slap you right across your eyes.

Just don’t do it!

I never imagined it was an arbitrary rule, but thanks for the advice.


Mumbai commuter train, and yes, we are moving!

 

[jis]

I never imagined it was an arbitrary rule, but thanks for the advice.

View attachment 38137
Mumbai commuter train, and yes, we are moving!

Speaking of Mumbai Suburban trains, it is estimated that about 2500 people on an average die each year. A lot of those involve falling off trains. And another lot are trespassers.

Frankly those official number appear to be somewhat shall we say muted, as such things often are in India, in my experience.

Anyhow here is a source:

https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story...t-deaths-accidents-injured-2589745-2024-08-29

 

[caravanman]

Speaking of Mumbai Suburban trains, it is estimated that about 2500 people on an average die each year. A lot of those involve falling off trains. And another lot are trespassers.

Frankly those official number appear to be somewhat shall we say muted, as such things often are in India, in my experience.

Be reassured that I am not completely mad, my left arm is curled around a metal post. As you probably know, they don't even close the doors on these EMU's... Not too bad on this ride from Neral back into Mumbai, but pretty dodgy at rush hour, which I think they call "super dense crush load! Deaths definitely under reported!

 

[zephyr17]

I much prefer being able to reserve. I tend to prefer eating lunch late, and I wouldn't want to be refused service because all seats are taken in the last round.

It is generally when there's a relatively light load. When they do it, just show up before or when they announce last call. If they're full, they'll wait list you and you'll be seated and served. It's just like breakfast service in that regard. You just need to be attentive to last call and show up.

Me, I'm neutral, never had a problem with either.

PS, I was looking in the Service Standards Manual (aka the Blue Book, aka the Amtrak Book of Jokes) last night for something else and ran across that the policy is for lunch to be by reservation with no option.

 

[cirdan]

I never imagined it was an arbitrary rule, but thanks for the advice.

View attachment 38137
Mumbai commuter train, and yes, we are moving!

It is sort of ironic that they fit bars over the windows so you can't lean out, but the doors can be opened with ease.

 

[Willbridge]

As for snow... I've ridden the Zephyr in January and not seen any snow at all, and I rode in October and it was like being inside of a snow globe - completely magical. November is a good chance in my book!

The first Colorado ski resort is now open, but it's at Wolf Creek, not on the CZ. I was on the E-Line LRT this afternoon, and when we went over Broadway, the top of the Front Range was covered bright with new snow.

 

[zephyr17]

Not to be confused with Lounge Lizard in the SSL.. I'm that too!

Do you sleep in there? Only those who stretch out on the floor of the SSL overnight for that title as far as I am concerned.

Spending a lot of (conscious) time in there doesn't qualify, as far as I am concerned. You're just enjoying the ride.

 

[zephyr17]

Digressing a bit, the RM seems to be a popular and for some folks worthwhile experience. However I'm not going to give them money because when COVID hit, they cancelled several years worth of trains in Canada, and refused to issue refunds, only vouchers. If you didn't use the vouchers in a year, you lost your money completely. Apparently Canada law and their fine print allowed voucher payment for cancellations, but not in the US. This wouldn't affect the Denver run, but buyer beware...

RMR bites. There's no way I'd pay those prices to ride coach and sleep in Holiday Inns, much as I'd like to ride through the Spiral Tunnels or Cheakamus Canyon again. The cherry on top is their punitive, nearly non-extent, cancellation and refund policies.

As far as that Colorado run goes, buy a coach ticket between Denver and Green River, arrange your own Holiday Inn, see the same things and save a few thousand dollars. They started that because their American clientele couldn't cross the border during and immediately after COVID.

RMR. Blech