Final Thoughts:
Honestly it’s unfair to compare Canadian Pacific with any of the other trains because that was in a world of its own. So I’m going to compare the two lesser products.
First off Corridor Trains
-Pacific Surfliner. It’s a decent train. I’m not going to hold it’s PTC problem against it. I like how the cafe works where you grab it from the shelf and pay for it like a regular store. However I don’t like the seating issues. I understand it’s an unreserved service so you are guaranteed a ride but not a seat. But I’m not a large fan of that. It seamed there were more passengers than seats. The only other unreserved service I’ve used is the Keystone.
-Cascades. Honestly this is Amtrak’s best corridor service in my opinion (I’m not biased or anything to the northwest). The seating is comfortable, and the smaller than average passenger cabin I think makes things nicer. As well as the assigned seats make it far easier to have a seat compared to the Surfliner where most people rode standing up. The cafe has some of the best products in the network. Even though I wish they would stock more cinnamon rolls. And it has the friendliest crews I’ve ran into on corridor trains.
-VIA Rail Corridor
Honestly this is roughly equal to the Cascades in my book. There is slightly more legroom which is a plus. And the restroom is decent sized. However I’m not a fan of not having a lounge to visit. I find it rather boring when there is nowhere to stretch your legs besides the restroom. However the service is far better than both with warm towels, drink carts, and food included in the fare. So on the F&B part of business VIA is winning hands down. That and VIA staffs their corridor trains with a crew member per car which is far better than Amtrak who uses sometimes just two or three conductors for a NE Regional of 800 passengers.
Long distance
The Coast Starlight Vs. the Canadian
First Class Lounges
CS: Uses the LAX Metropolitan Lounge which I found to be rather small and ran by someone close to a drill sergeant. It’s also difficult to find. However the drinks and snacks were well stocked. The seating was ok even though some chairs reminded me of college.
CA: The Vancouver Panorama Lounge is super easy to find. And the service manager at check in points it out. The chairs are nice, but the really amazing selling point is the outdoor waiting area with tables and chairs. And in the past live music. However when I arrived most of the snacks and drinks were already gone. I’m going to give the win to VIA though because it has a better vibe than Amtrak’s.
Boarding
CS: A kindergarten walk from the lounge to the train with a max of five passengers at a time. Which is really an odd number if I say so. And the attendant is yelling at people the entire process if you didn’t hear her initial announcement. Once trainside it isn’t that bad he attendant greets you, and helps you with your luggage.
CA: They make boarding announcement and everyone leaves the lounge but not as part of a kindergarten walk. There are several staff members around to point you the right way or help you. But it doesn’t feel childish like Amtrak and no one is barking orders. The attendants help you load bags then welcome you to your rooms.
Sleeping accommodations
CS: there are three options for sleeping. A roomette with two beds that are against the wall. The space itself feels very cramped and the top bunk is claustrophobic. The bedrooms are perpendicular to the car body again bunk beds and a sofa by day. With a small restroom annex. I haven’t been in a superliner bedroom but the viewliner ones are nice and large. The family room sleeps four with a pair of bunk beds. The mattresses were ok but are fairly thin.
CA: I had an upper berth but I’ll review all of the rooms. VIA has five to six different types of accommodations available on the Canadian. Your Upper and Lower berths which are two facing seats in the daytime, and two beds with curtains at night. These do not have walls however like Amtrak roomettes. Classic roomettes with a toilet, chair, and folding down bed. The bedroom which has a bunk bed and movable chairs around the room. Then prestige which is comparable with the Canadian Pacific Train. The mattresses on VIA are a lot thicker, and the bedding material is much nicer feeling. It’s warm, and soft. Plus chocolate on the pillows every night. Via wins this round.
Food & Beverage
CS: Sleeper meals are included and Coach passengers are welcome to purchase meals. The menu stays the same everyday which can get boring. The food is of so so quality. I’ve had better burgers at a college cafeteria, and the steak is alright but it’s not up there with an outback or longhorn steak house.
CA: Sleeper meals are included but alcohol isn’t unless you are in prestige. Coach passengers are not welcome in the dining car and have no other options than cafe food. The menu rotated each day with specialties depending on what part of Canada you are in. The items also tasted on par far better than anything Amtrak has put out in years. And dining on actual china. VIA wins this round hands down.
Lounge Spaces
CS: This Train has a Sightseer Lounge which is good for its use. It has lovely large windows and the seats are comfortable enough. My favorite part of the car is the individual swivel seats that don’t rotate on the end. Plenty of outlets.
CA: The dome is a fantastic lounge with a great 360 degree view. And a lovely forward view. The lower level of the Skyline has an inviting atmosphere as well. With a mixture of tables in the game room, and more comfortable seating near the bar. However there are not as many outlets. VIA wins this round but needs to have more outlets.
Service
CS: The best way I could put it is demoralized. With all of the cuts going on the east coast the crew seams fairly demoralized. They are friendly enough, but they lack the flair of the VIA crew.
CA: VIA’s staff are always smiling and cheery even when they are ten hours late. The dining car waitresses are cutting up, laughing, and putting passengers at ease with their banter. The sleeping car porters (they use the old term) are friendly and always happy to answer any question. And they enjoy it when people talk to them or at least they act like it. The activity manager definitely is a hit because she builds good relationships with the passengers and makes it like a train family. VIA’s crew is constantly trying to make their passengers trip comfortable. Always checking if you want more to drink, and always willing to answer questions. VIA wins this round.
Overall: VIA has the superior product in both corridor and Long Distance. Amtrak and Richard Anderson could learn how to run a passenger train from them.
