Our friend Milton has just travelled from Los Angeles to Syracuse, NY by Southwest Chief and the Lake Shore Limited. He spends the three winter months in LA, then back to his farm to farm for the rest of the year. He needs the winter sunshine boost as he is no longer quite as young as he was, and he doesn't fly.
He emailed us to let us know he managed the journey safely, but the standout comment in a short email was the trip was surreal, and it's not the type of word Milton would use so we are just waiting to hear in a few days what happened.
Have to add he has used this route for about 60 years at least once each way each year so a very experienced Amtrak rider. If it is of any interest to those reading this thread what a right up to date virus influenced 2 1/2 day LD Amtrak journey is like I'll ask if it is ok to publish a little of the story here, just let me know.
OK, just heard today and can now briefly describe Milton's Southwest Chief and Lake Shore Limited trip from LA to Syracuse on the 2 April 2020.
First this arrived from Amtrak about 4 days before departure:
RESERVATION ......
MILTON .........
We are contacting you about your trip on Train 48 the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago, Illinois on 4/2/2020.
At this time, various states are undertaking specific safety precautions at stations for customers arriving from out of state. Check with each state for specific guidance. The CDC (LINK: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html) has urged residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential travel for 14 days. Amtrak service continues to operate on the Northeast Corridor to provide vital transportation for employees of essential services.
The most up to date arrival and departure times are available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps or by texting or calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
He like us would usually take public transport from the valley to LAX Union Station, this time he booked a private car. Had a call at 3:45 am asking for a Mr ........., the private car co had got their am and pm's mixed up, the car was booked for 3:50 pm.
Made good time to Union Station in lighter but still not light traffic. Arrived at first class lounge, rang the bell and let in, he was the only passenger there up to the time for boarding. Hot and cold drinks available and small snacks.
On boarding the SWC there were only 2 or 3 other sleeper passengers, this was the consist - engine, engine, sleeping car, dining car, lounge car, coach car, coach car, baggage car. Note there was no crew car; they were using unsold space in the sleeping car.
All sleeper passengers kept their door closed at all times, most/all took meals in their room although a full service dining car was operating. Not sure if Milton ate in the dining car or not, would have been alone if he did.
Maximum number of sleeper passengers during the trip was 6.
At Albuquerque for a 90 minute stop Milton and one other sleeper passenger got off to stretch legs, no one got off from coach. No one asked them to stay on board and no one from the station approached them.
In Chicago the Amtrak lounge was open with the rest of the Great Hall closed off. No food or drink available in the lounge, only outside.
LSL left on time with a greater passenger load, journey to Syracuse was uneventful. Was met inside the station and driven home.
So for those curious about what is currently happening on an Amtrak LD train ride it looks like not a lot. Sounds very calm, no interaction and working efficiently, well on this route anyway.
