Future improvement possibilities for the Downeaster

[fdaley]

Maybe Amtrak hears our complaints about way too many long-distance coaches being assigned to non-long-distance trains.

The Maple Leaf and Palmetto are both more than 12-hour runs end to end. I think this will be a big downgrade in comfort and a deterrent to through travelers. Of course, end-to-end ridership on the Maple Leaf is pretty scant since they started forcing everyone to haul their luggage off the train at the border, and people going from NYP to Savannah can take either of the Silvers.

 

[Harmon Shay]

To me the Horizon cars are similar, except with smaller windows and squarish interiors and, in my experience, a slightly better ride. I suspect all the Horizons that are going to the Downeasters are all refreshed, like the ones that have come to the Cascades.

 

[JWM]

The Maple Leaf and Palmetto are both more than 12-hour runs end to end. I think this will be a big downgrade in comfort and a deterrent to through travelers. Of course, end-to-end ridership on the Maple Leaf is pretty scant since they started forcing everyone to haul their luggage off the train at the border, and people going from NYP to Savannah can take either of the Silvers.

The ridiculous customs procedure at Niagara Falls should be changed. Are there figures on how many Canadia passengers take this train from Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto?

 

[jiml]

Are there figures on how many Canadia passengers take this train from Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto?

The timing of the Maple Leaf isn't really conducive to travel in that direction. The flow is basically the other way at that time of day. They did have some traffic on weekends for those returning from the Falls and the casinos there, however GO Transit and charter buses have filled that niche.

 

[zephyr17]

The ridiculous customs procedure at Niagara Falls should be changed. Are there figures on how many Canadia passengers take this train from Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto?

CBP and CBSA are never going to allow onboard inspections. Both agencies hate them and have publicly stated they won't allow another train with them (one of many stumbling blocks for a renewed Montrealer).

I do not have statistics, but VIA 97 & 98, as the Maple Leaf is operated between Toronto and Niagara Falls, ON has had a pretty fair number of local riders when I've ridden it. The "local" passengers usually outnumber the US bound passengers in the boarding line up for it at Toronto Union.

 

[thefirewarde]

Put customs off the train in one spot where resources can be shared, and run multiple daily trains from there across the border.

The Vermonter/Montrealer shouldn't (opinion, not won't, fact) have any issue using the same customs staff as the Adirondack, when that pre clearance facility eventually gets built. Hopefully once it's established we can get a night train or two rolling on the Montreal to DC via NYC run.

I do think for the foreseeable future having new through trains continue past the first Canadian station isn't feasible (and likewise for a hypothetical Via train connecting on the US side going past a station), so a Montreal to Chicago via Detroit trip will need connections and can't reasonably be an overnight one seat run, and the Maple Leaf is going to continue to be an issue.