newspapers

[British Capitalist]

I believe that newspapers used to be widely distributed while en route on amtrak, for example receiving the Plain Dealer while passing Cleveland, the Blade in Toledo, then the Sun Times in Chicago, then the Post-Dispach in St. Louis, and on and on. Why is this no longer the case? I find it infuriating. Some of us enjoy the decency that comes with opening up a fresh pressed paper and devouring the day's news. What with all that's going on, there is a lot to keep up with. But as I understand it, Amtrak is no longer printing the papers. Why is that? I asked the attendant a week or so ago (on the CONO, mind you), and she told me "We don't got no papers." When I pressed her, saying this was part of her job, she just repeated her answer. Perhaps she was hoarding them or selling them for profit.

In any case, I should like to know what happened to the papers. Is it another one of those cost saving attempts? If so, I think they should find a way to bring them back immediately.

 

[the_traveler]

First, Amtrak does not "print" the papers. They have to purchase them - just like you and I.

Because of this, Antrak does not provide them anymore. I personally received the provided papers when the SCA brought it to my room, but most times it was never even opened! I could get more current information from my phone or computer (on the internet).

 

[Tennessee Traveler]

Print newspapers are a dying breed in the USA. Even the major hotel chains(Hilton, etc) no longer deliver print newspapers to your room door although you can pick one up in the lobby. Yes, Amtrak quit distributing the print newspapers to sleeping car passengers many months ago.

 

[iggy]

Never received or was offered a newspaper when riding in a sleeper. Newspapers are still offered on regional route Lincoln Service for Business Class passengers in Illinois ( other routes I'd assume also offer this for BC ticket holders ) - many passengers still take them and read them. Others are happy accessing news from their chosen device. From what I have seen - there is a customer demand for this old school media. I'd agree that newspaper industry is in a confused state trying to stay relevant and reinvent itself.

Four Seasons still ask at check-in if you would like a newspaper delivered each morning - even gives guest a choice to choose from.

 

[Palmland]

Why doesn't Amtrak still get a few and offer them for sale. A few news junkies would snap them up. It's always interesting to read the news with a local perspective.

 

[caravanman]

The original post sounds like a Monty Python sketch, and I love the idea that our capitalist friend's first thought was that the train attendant was hoarding them to sell.

Jolly poor show, what?

Ed

 

[Bob Dylan]

The original post sounds like a Monty Python sketch, and I love the idea that our capitalist friend's first thought was that the train attendant was hoarding them to sell.

Jolly poor show, what?

Ed

Outstanding post Eddie! This would make for a good skit on one of the British Comedy Shows eh?!!

 

[MikefromCrete]

I think the original poster was having a bit of fun with us.

 

[zepherdude]

I have heard there huge return on hoarding black market newspapers.

 

[tonys96]

On the LSL a couple of weeks ago there were local papers at the sleeper coffee station.

 

[Guest]

Is it another one of those cost saving attempts? If so, I think they should find a way to bring them back immediately.

While that is certainly true, I believe the other reason is (frequently) late trains not making it to the pickup station in time for wakeup/breakfast. I mean, few sleeper passengers are interested in (if at all) the early morning news, sometime after lunch.

Personally, I liked the newspaper. While on an overnight sleeper trip, I am out of touch with what's happening in the world (no evening news, no cnn, etc). The morning paper was a good way to catch up. I'll note that this is uniquely different than when staying at a hotel that has a TV in the room.

 

[fairviewroad]

I could get more current information from my phone or computer (on the internet).

Newspapers have not been a source for the most current, up-to-date information since the invention of the AM radio nearly a century ago. Instead, a good newspaper offers its readers a variety of news, analysis and entertainment in a format that many people prefer to staring into little screens.

I think the original poster was having a bit of fun with us.

This.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

Newspapers always print far more copies than they distribute and I am hoping in time publishers with good business sense will send a small stack down to the station and comp them to Amtrak. That will give them and their national and wide area regional advertisers some extra exposure. Better than sending the extras to the shredder.

 

[amtkstn]

The newspaper is the only sleeper perk I will not miss. Most papers I spent about five minutes on.

 

[Big Green Chauvanist]

Just about every station with a smoke stop has newspapers for sale from those ubiquitous news boxes. On the EB, many of the freebies were strictly local papers (though not all), with little to no national or international news. It was a nice perk for SC pax, but not one I will miss terribly.

 

[Orie]

You're supposed to be offered newspapers in business class and acela first class I believe. But out of 5 BC/FC trips I've taken this year I was only offered a paper twice. Once on the Palmetto and once on the Acela.

 

[minimax]

While the eastbound Sunset Ltd made its long station stop in San Antonio I walked for blocks around the station trying to find a newspaper. Not a one.

 

[Guest]

You're supposed to be offered newspapers in business class and acela first class I believe. But out of 5 BC/FC trips I've taken this year I was only offered a paper twice. Once on the Palmetto and once on the Acela.

Only on Acela First Class. And Regional Busness Class. Not on Acela Business Class. If you are not offered in Acela First Class or Regional Busness class then ask if you desire one. They are probably available.

 

[Palmland]

Usually a pile at the back of Palmetto's BC car. No effort to advise passengers or distribute.

 

[rteER]

Downeaster BC had the USA Today.

 

[Alexandria Nick]

I have heard there huge return on hoarding black market newspapers.

If you can get a few hundred thousand newspapers, you might get a few hundred dollars!

Just have to be really patient!

 

[zepherdude]

I have heard there huge return on hoarding black market newspapers.

If you can get a few hundred thousand newspapers, you might get a few hundred dollars!

Just have to be really patient!

I still have yesterdays, so I am off to a great start!

 

[chakk]

I remember Paper Drives 55 years ago in grade school. I suppose they now have USB memory stick drives.

Sent from my iPhone using Amtrak Forum

 

[British Capitalist]

First, Amtrak does not "print" the papers. They have to purchase them - just like you and I.

Because of this, Antrak does not provide them anymore. I personally received the provided papers when the SCA brought it to my room, but most times it was never even opened! I could get more current information from my phone or computer (on the internet).

Some of us prefer to read in a civilized and comfortable way, i.e. in press, not squinting at a small device. Amtrak claims to provide the service, yet it appears from numbers comments that is a bold faced lie.

 

[British Capitalist]

Why doesn't Amtrak still get a few and offer them for sale. A few news junkies would snap them up. It's always interesting to read the news with a local perspective.

Exactly. You, sir or madam, are sensible.

If only others were.