Dreamstar overnight train between San Francisco and Los Angeles?

[Amtrakfflyer]

I mean i’m sure they weren’t the easiest to work with, but I think the main reason is that Anderson wanted them gone.

Anderson rode the PPC LAX to SBA or something similar and ordered them gone basically when he got back to DC. I’m thankful it was my local train when I was in Cali and got to enjoy it 30 plus times to the Bay Area and back over a 15 year period. I’m looking at that frame in our bedroom right now. Believe it or not it’s a disposable headrest cover my wife took and framed. That train was what first class service can be with not a lot of effort, just the will to do things right. While the PPC was special any lounge could be made up to have similar service.

 

[toddinde]

It was my recollection that the PP cars were beyond repair - too old - or was that just an excuse to discontinue the service?

That was an excuse.

 

[GDRRiley]

Summary:

• Track access has not been secured yet
• Rolling stock is in the works but they do not want to buy cars before they have access
  • 2 5 car trains with 4 sleepers and 1 lounge
  • 18-24 months is the timeline to rebuild them
  • 4 seating styles
    • Single person pods
    • Small bedrooms
    • Family bedrooms
    • State bedroom
  • Coach is not planned at the start
• Goal is 10pm departure from LAU and get into SF by 8:30 similar on the way back
• Auto service hasn’t been sorted out ops wise but seems like it’s at least being considered by the hosts
• Dining service is not planned, cocktails and some appetizers
• Breakfast just be a timed pickup from local places
• Looking at other routes as well with an internal goal to get 2 started by the end of 2026

My thoughts:
I'd still rather the state does this with viewliners and comets.
Rolling stock seems like a major problem for any sleeper service given we don't have more than a handful of existing ones so this is going to have to be a gut and rebuild.
I do not like the idea that there won't be breakfast, if you've got a bar attendant I don't see why they couldn't also do food service in the morning even if its just like a typical coffee shop with just pastries or pre made stuff warmed in an oven.

 

[BlackDiamond]

I do not like the idea that there won't be breakfast, if you've got a bar attendant I don't see why they couldn't also do food service in the morning even if its just like a typical coffee shop with just pastries or pre made stuff warmed in an oven.

I agree, that would be similar to the usual situation in Europe where the SCA brings around coffee/tea and a roll or pastry, even on trains with no dining car. Of course that seems to be all that Europeans eat for breakfast anyway

 

[Richard Hill]

Dreamstar will have a lounge car, but I don't know if the lounge car will be open overnight.

https://is.gd/rPszbG

 

[Just-Thinking-51]

• Dining service is not planned, cocktails and some appetizers
• Breakfast just be a timed pickup from local place

My thoughts:

I do not like the idea that there won't be breakfast, if you've got a bar attendant I don't see why they couldn't also do food service in the morning even if its just like a typical coffee shop with just pastries or pre made stuff warmed in an oven.

My read on your notes is “timed pickup” is fresh warm rolls in a box to be hand out to the passengers. So breakfast will given out just not prepared on board.

 

[GDRRiley]

My read on your notes is “timed pickup” is fresh warm rolls in a box to be hand out to the passengers. So breakfast will given out just not prepared on board.

They were more so talking about allowing you to order from some local places and they'd have it picked up and delivered.

 

[Just-Thinking-51]

They were more so talking about allowing you to order from some local places and they'd have it picked up and delivered.

Ok that interesting, a bit challenging, but it could be done.

If was in charge I would avoid the stress and do a NightJet thing. Check boxes on the multi language form, and have onboard staff prepare and deliver it. Limited waste, custom meals done onboard.

 

[GDRRiley]

Ok that interesting, a bit challenging, but it could be done.

If was in charge I would avoid the stress and do a NightJet thing. Check boxes on the multi language form, and have onboard staff prepare and deliver it. Limited waste, custom meals done onboard.

If you could have passengers pick before they board then just load the train up with exactly what was needed there would be even less waste. I know some airlines try that but it doesn't always work out great.

 

[Richard Hill]

If you could have passengers pick before they board then just load the train up with exactly what was needed there would be even less waste. I know some airlines try that but it doesn't always work out great.

Something I have thought about with regard to many Amtrak routes, especially long distance routes. As part of the booking process one could specify food choices desired for each meal. You would need a cold storage area, on the train, and an efficient means to heat up the food before serving.

 

[Cal]

If you could have passengers pick before they board then just load the train up with exactly what was needed there would be even less waste. I know some airlines try that but it doesn't always work out great.

No-shows, missed connections, last minute upgrades or bid ups, sleepers randomly being removed.... lot's of things to mess that up on Amtrak.

 

[GDRRiley]

As part of the booking process one could specify food choices desired for each meal. You would need a cold storage area, on the train, and an efficient means to heat up the food before serving.

Given they plan to have a lounge with a bar adding an oven and some more fridge space wouldn't be a big deal

No-shows, missed connections, last minute upgrades or bid ups, sleepers randomly being removed.... lot's of things to mess that up on Amtrak.

Amtrak ops leave a lot to be desired but this won't be them running it



Completely unrelated but they assumed they would have to have a crew change which seems like something they might be able to avoid in the future but for now would have to happen given its going to be 10.5-11 hours from LA-SF. If the state does some work to speed up the line that could mean they aren't forced to make a crew change. I suspect the state will want to do some work to avoid having another San Joaquin were crews can't make RT between Oakland and SLO

 

[MARC Rider]

To be quite honest, I've ridden the Night Owl overnight several times, and I've never had the need to eat something on the train. The major stations (Washington/Boston), which account for the vast majority of the overnight passengers, have plenty of places where you can get something to eat when you arrive at 7 - 8 AM.

 

[railiner]

To be quite honest, I've ridden the Night Owl overnight several times, and I've never had the need to eat something on the train. The major stations (Washington/Boston), which account for the vast majority of the overnight passengers, have plenty of places where you can get something to eat when you arrive at 7 - 8 AM.

I’ve also ridden it many times, and the cafe did enough business to warrant keeping it open all night.
Of course, that train handled enormous intermediate business.