New Premium Seats Being Experimented by Amtrak

[Amfleet]

I was reading the All Aboard groups and I came across a post and photos regarding a new re-conditioned Amfleet cafe. Apparently, Amtrak is trying out new Premium seats on their Business Class cars out of chicago. It's baisicly a rebuilt Amlfeet cafe with 6 Dinette tables on one end, a snack bar in the center, and 18 premium seats on the other end in a 2-1 configuration. The whole car has the blue colors of a Concept 2000 rebuild, except the seats are a upolstered in dark red pleather (most comparable to the color of the seats in a Superliner II diner). I'm not sure why the red was choosen over the blue? I'm guessing that since it is a trial version, red was the only color availible? Or it is a possibility that Amtrak will revert to a new red interior later on?

Now, the seat bodies themselves look similar to the old Metroliner club seats with the standard foot and leg rests, tray table, and cup holders. However, they are much more modern and sleeker looking (most comparable to first class seats on newer aircraft). Word also has it that the seats are more confortable than the Acela Express first class seats. There was no word on whether the seating replacement will continue, but it is certainly worth the upgrade from coach. Hopefully the replacement will continue to other cafe/business class cars and even full business class cars in the NEC. I also think that they would be a great replacement for all other Amfleet coach seats if a 2-2 version is revealed.

To view the photos you will have to join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midwesthsr. Once a member go into the photo gallery and view the photos.

 

[engine999]

Sounds like a good idea to finally have a differential standard between coach and business class. The description reminds me (as noted too) of the old metrliner clubs. Maybe this new service will spread throughout the system.

 

[amtrakmichigan]

GOOD! This is something I have wondered why Amtrak hasn't done a long time ago. The B/C seats currently in use are really no different then the standard coach seats( midwest B/C). They may be spaced slightly more then a std. coach seat, but thats about it. For me to travel B/C from the western Detroit suburbs to Chicago cost an additional $9 one way. This is actually a very good deal considering that you get a coupon worth $4.50 toward food or drink in the cafe, so really you get half your money back right there. I like B/C personelly because of being close to the restroom and cafe. Also it has more of a private atmosphere then coach. If the seats were upgraded I would easily pay $25 to $30 for a B/C ticket. Amtrak would probably find a pretty quick return on investment on this idea.

 

[Guest]

Does anyone know if these are being used on the Illinois Zephyr between Chicago and Quincy, IL?

 

[engine999]

My guess is they are being rotated among the midwest trains.

 

[Amfleet]

Just a small correction to my original post. I was misreading the post on All Aboard as "Premium seats". It actually said they were "Premiere seats", meaning they were premiering on Amtrak. BTW, there's no change in the name of classes. It will still be known as Business Class.

 

[EmpireBuilderFan]

They look similar to the set up that the Cascades have for business class. BC on the Cascades is set up in the 2-1 seating with more leg room. The difference is that the Cascades BC use the same upholstery on the seats that is used on the Coach seats.

 

[Steve4031]

I have experienced bc seats on midwest corridor trains that were more cramped than coach. This is a great development.

 

[battalion51]

Those seats look pretty comfortable. Looks like Amtrak might;ve done something smart for once. OMG THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING! :lol:

 

[Viewliner]

Those seats look pretty comfortable. Looks like Amtrak might;ve done something smart for once. OMG THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING! :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I agree, nice to see something done right for once. I'd definitely opt for those seats if I was traveling on a midwest train with one of those.

 

[engine999]

Those seats look pretty comfortable. Looks like Amtrak might;ve done something smart for once. OMG THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING! :lol:

Only problem is Amtrak hasn't showed any intentions to revamp business class elsewhere yet. Maybe they will begine a program soon. Also anyone know how many cars have been revamped and are they only doing it to the amfleets?

 

[Amfleet]

Those seats look pretty comfortable. Looks like Amtrak might;ve done something smart for once. OMG THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING!   :lol:

Only problem is Amtrak hasn't showed any intentions to revamp business class elsewhere yet. Maybe they will begine a program soon. Also anyone know how many cars have been revamped and are they only doing it to the amfleets?

Just that one for now...