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