Most Unattractive Amtrak Routes...

[PRR 60]

We are then back to travel habits. There are people that will fly from Washington DC to Philadelphia even though it actually takes longer.
George

Yes there are, but not many. The average daily O&D airline passenger count between PHL and WAS (DCA, IAD) is 53. I bet half of them are airline employees on non-revs. By contrast, the average daily air passenger count between NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR) and WAS is 4750. But your earlier point about air travel being preferable from a corporate approval standpoint is valid. I can book any air trip I want, and as long as my selection is within $100 of the lowest available air fare, I am OK without extra approvals. But to book rail I must show that rail is cheaper than air and get prior management approval. I will make the effort, but many will simply take the easy route.
Another problem was created by Amtrak calling Acela coach service "Business Class". Despite the name, this is "Coach". It is a seat and nothing else. But my corporate travel policy strictly prohibits "Business Class" travel. So, when I try to book Acela, I am hassled and have to patiently explain that Amtrak was simply trying to show-off and that this so-called "Business Class" is not really "Business Class" at all. Our travel folks are in Chicago, so they do not know Acela from A-smella, and it is a pain.

 

[AlanB]

Another problem was created by Amtrak calling Acela coach service "Business Class". Despite the name, this is "Coach". It is a seat and nothing else. But my corporate travel policy strictly prohibits "Business Class" travel. So, when I try to book Acela, I am hassled and have to patiently explain that Amtrak was simply trying to show-off and that this so-called "Business Class" is not really "Business Class" at all. Our travel folks are in Chicago, so they do not know Acela from A-smella, and it is a pain.

You are correct that Business Class is really just coach on a train that runs a bit faster than the normal "coach" trains. However, the problem didn't start with Acela. Amtrak was doing the same thing for years on the former Metroliners, calling coach business class instead of what it really was. Acela simply inherited that tradition.

 

[PRR 60]

Another problem was created by Amtrak calling Acela coach service "Business Class". Despite the name, this is "Coach". It is a seat and nothing else. But my corporate travel policy strictly prohibits "Business Class" travel. So, when I try to book Acela, I am hassled and have to patiently explain that Amtrak was simply trying to show-off and that this so-called "Business Class" is not really "Business Class" at all. Our travel folks are in Chicago, so they do not know Acela from A-smella, and it is a pain.

You are correct that Business Class is really just coach on a train that runs a bit faster than the normal "coach" trains. However, the problem didn't start with Acela. Amtrak was doing the same thing for years on the former Metroliners, calling coach business class instead of what it really was. Acela simply inherited that tradition.

I believe the "Business Class" nonsense began with the Acela launch in 2000 and, at that time, was carried to the Metroliner product line. Prior to the Acela (which, at first, was the "Acela Regional" all-electric BOS service), the two classes on the Metroliner were "Metrocoach" and "Metroclub".

 

[rmgreenesq]

Another problem was created by Amtrak calling Acela coach service "Business Class". Despite the name, this is "Coach". It is a seat and nothing else. But my corporate travel policy strictly prohibits "Business Class" travel. So, when I try to book Acela, I am hassled and have to patiently explain that Amtrak was simply trying to show-off and that this so-called "Business Class" is not really "Business Class" at all. Our travel folks are in Chicago, so they do not know Acela from A-smella, and it is a pain.

You should probably let Amtrak know of this problem. You and I (business travelers) are Amtrak's target demographic for the Acela. I would be willing to bet that your company is not the only company with such a prohibition on "Business Class" travel, and that a first time business class traveler on the Acela that has to put up a fight to get reimbursed or train tickets issues will probably not be back on the train any time soon.

Rick

 

[AlanB]

Another problem was created by Amtrak calling Acela coach service "Business Class". Despite the name, this is "Coach". It is a seat and nothing else. But my corporate travel policy strictly prohibits "Business Class" travel. So, when I try to book Acela, I am hassled and have to patiently explain that Amtrak was simply trying to show-off and that this so-called "Business Class" is not really "Business Class" at all. Our travel folks are in Chicago, so they do not know Acela from A-smella, and it is a pain.

You are correct that Business Class is really just coach on a train that runs a bit faster than the normal "coach" trains. However, the problem didn't start with Acela. Amtrak was doing the same thing for years on the former Metroliners, calling coach business class instead of what it really was. Acela simply inherited that tradition.

I believe the "Business Class" nonsense began with the Acela launch in 2000 and, at that time, was carried to the Metroliner product line. Prior to the Acela (which, at first, was the "Acela Regional" all-electric BOS service), the two classes on the Metroliner were "Metrocoach" and "Metroclub".

Yes, for many years it was Metrocoach & Club, but it did eventually become Metrobusiness & Metrofirst. I'm not at home right now to check my ticket stubs, but I'm pretty sure that I have ticket stubs that say Metrobusiness and Metrofirst on them that pre-date Acela.

 

[PRR 60]

The change from Metrocoach and Metroclub to Business Class and First Class took place on May 16, 1999. It was part of a general rebranding in preparation for the Acela launch. This from the NARP Hotline News of 4-30-99:

All current Amtrak Custom Class services and Metroliner coach class will be renamed "Business Class" effective May 16. Some local variations on the name will exist -- Pacific Class replaces Custom Class on the San Diegans, there will be Cascades Business Class on Talgos in the Northwest, and Carolina Business Class on the Carolinian. Newspapers and beverages will still be provided, except in the Northeast, where the only train with Business Class providing papers and drinks will be the Twilight Shoreliner. Most Business Class seats have electrical outlets for laptops; eventually all will.
Everything in the Northeast will be replaced by three classes. Metroliner Club Class becomes First Class, offering services consistent with those planned for Acela Express First Class service later this year. Business Class replaces all current Metroliner coach class and NortheastDirect and Empire Custom Class seats. Coach Class will be the coach seats on all the other trains.