How long do connecting trains wait?

[Linda T]

Is there a set time like 15 minutes or a half hour, if they know it's truly that close? While I'm asking in general, I did notice in the "Cardinal from Charlottesville to Chicago" thread that the Card would have missed my TE connection in CHI on April 5 by 9 minutes. Normally I wouldn't mind being bused to the next station, but the next station will be St L I figure if they'd hold it at least 15 minutes I could make it. Not that I expect this to be an issue, because normally the Card's not that late, but I'm curious for future trips, too.

 

[Trogdor]

There is no set time. It depends on the specific trains involved, what alternate options there are, and how many people are making the connection.

 

[the_traveler]

I agree.

In addition to the other things mentioned, it would also depend if 1 person is connecting or 50 people were connecting. Also, it would depend on if there were other options available.

Say you're connecting from the EB to the CL to Toledo. They could also put you on the LSL that night. But if you were going to Alliance or Martinsburg (which are only served by the CL), they may hold the CL! If you were connecting to IND on the Cardinal, they could bus you to IND, if necessary. But if you were going to CHW or STA, it is more likely that they might hold the Cardinal for a reasonable time than pay for a hotel for 2-3 days until the next Cardinal!

 

[Donctor]

I agree.

I don't.

 

[gatelouse]

Corridor trains are rarely held; just take the next train. The CL is probably never held on work window days where a delay could result in bussing east of Pittsburgh. For other LDTs and once-daily trains, "it depends."

 

[Phil S]

Wondering if Amtrak takes into account how many people connecting have sleeper res on the outbound train? Getting someone a place in coach the next day is often a lot easier than getting people a sleeper space.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

Getting someone a place in coach the next day is often a lot easier than getting people a sleeper space.

I believe Amtrak will also offer a coach seat on the next day train to stranded sleeper passengers, if need be.

 

[stntylr]

Corridor trains are rarely held; just take the next train. The CL is probably never held on work window days where a delay could result in bussing east of Pittsburgh. For other LDTs and once-daily trains, "it depends."

The one time I rode the Capital Limited it was held for an hour to wait for the Empire Builder. It was on one of the work window days.

 

[benjibear]

I was on the Crescent once. I got on in BAL about a half hour late. They switched motive power in WAS pretty quick and I thought we would gain some time. However, we were sitting and sitting. We pulled out of WAS about an hour late because we were waiting for a connecting train. The guy that got on was suppose to board at NYP but his train was lated getting in there so they got him on a NER to connect at WAS. That Sunday there was all kinds of issues up and down the NEC but I am not sure what the reasoning was. I bet if I belonged to this board back then somebody here would have known.

I was really stressing about the train being late and I was getting in at Charlotte, NC in the middle of the night. However, the train made up time and we I arrived at my destination only 5-10 minutes late.

 

[OBS]

Wondering if Amtrak takes into account how many people connecting have sleeper res on the outbound train? Getting someone a place in coach the next day is often a lot easier than getting people a sleeper space.

The short answer is "no". If necessary To rebook on next day's train they fill accomodations as available, then provide coach for the rest...

 

[Steel City Don]

I guess it depends on the train...

 

[MiRider]

My train , Pere Marquette, was super late yesterday - disabled freight train - and the TE wasn't held even though we arrived within 10 min of departure. Glad I wasn't taking the TE this time.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

My train , Pere Marquette, was super late yesterday - disabled freight train - and the TE wasn't held even though we arrived within 10 min of departure. Glad I wasn't taking the TE this time.

Do you know if there were any riders on your train that were making the connection?

 

[MiRider]

My train , Pere Marquette, was super late yesterday - disabled freight train - and the TE wasn't held even though we arrived within 10 min of departure. Glad I wasn't taking the TE this time.

Do you know if there were any riders on your train that were making the connection?

Based on the lack of audible complaints, none in my car - there were more than enough complaints about being 3 1/2 hours late though.

The conductor did make an announcement..... apologizing for the TE departing and directing all those connecting to the TE to go to Passenger Services.

I would have enjoyed my stay in Chicago or whatever it is they would have done for me - I can definitely go with the flow.

 

[Linda T]

Thanks for all the responses. I remember the fret I felt on the SWC going into LAX. We had to catch the CS and had non-refundable reservations for a 5 star hotel in Seattle. They did hold the Chief for about a half hour, and we got in with about 5 minutes to make the switch! Phew! I shouldn't have to worry too much about this trip as I have a 3+ hour layover departing out of CHI and a 3.5+ hour layover on the way home, but anything can happen! My biggest fear I think has just been knowing that the TE's not going to be stopping till it reaches STL, so it'll be harder to chase down in a bus. Of course I'm coming in on the Cardinal.

We still want to plan some additional trips and I just wanted to know what you all have experienced as far as LD travel and holding.

Thanks!