On-board/station amenities dreams/wishes

[Devil's Advocate]

Ideally I would rather full speed internet capable of providing streamed movies and instant downloads, but we all know that's not going to happen anytime soon. Just because MegaBus can do it for a fraction of the cost doesn't mean that Amtrak can do it at any cost. I don't know what Amtrak's problem is, but I doubt most customers will see uninterrupted movie-streaming speed on Amtrak before we're all dead.

Can Megabus really do that?

According to what I was told. However, they are not yet covering West Texas to my knowledge, so I'm not sure exactly how well it would work out here. Airlines are covering West Texas and offer internet that's not as robust as what you have at home (or on modern mobile networks) but is far better than what I've tried on Amtrak.

I think you're not going to see it any time soon because the wireless infrastructure isn't quite there yet.

Either way I don't think we're going to see it in our lifetimes. The only way Amtrak could make it work is if they took the money out of something else, and I don't think anyone expects (or wants) them to do that.

Ever the curmudgeon, this begs the question: what did humans ever do, before there was video, when they had to wait a while for the next thing? Or even before there were books (which are the obvious solution to the difficulties Texas Sunset mentions)?

You don't see the pro-movie folks shooting down proposals for an on-board book store or library do you? So why criticize the movie kiosk? Just seems like a waste of time to me. It's not like any of these proposals are going anywhere anyway.

 

[amamba]

Ever the curmudgeon, this begs the question: what did humans ever do, before there was video, when they had to wait a while for the next thing? Or even before there were books (which are the obvious solution to the difficulties Texas Sunset mentions)?

Well there were plays and of course musicians and dancing. Like you see on all of those lovely period dramas - after dinner you can retire to the smoking room and smoke cigars and drink port while the ladies trade veiled insults at one another. And then when you tire of that, the ladies and the men can get together. The ladies can play the piano and sing while the men listen, and then you can play cards.

Or god forbid talk to someone.

I much prefer a nice movie when I want to relax and there is nothing to see outside anyway because its dark.

 

[Ispolkom]

Can Megabus really do that?

I think you're not going to see it any time soon because the wireless infrastructure isn't quite there yet.

I've read any number of complaints about Megabus's wifi, and I imagine that there will be any number as well about Amtrak's implementation of wifi on long-distance trains. What kind of mobile service is there on the Empire Builder's route, for instance?

The ladies can play the piano and sing while the men listen, and then you can play cards.

You know, the original Superliner Sightseer Lounges did have electric keyboards in them. They are long gone, but Mrs. Ispolkom always bring a cribbage board with us. Never any port, though, because then you'd need Stilton cheese, and walnuts. Gin is so much... simpler.

 

[jebr]

Those are the sort of benefits I would envision anyway. Ideally I would rather full speed internet capable of providing streamed movies and instant downloads, but we all know that's not going to happen anytime soon. Just because MegaBus can do it for a fraction of the cost doesn't mean that Amtrak can do it at any cost. I don't know what Amtrak's problem is, but I doubt most customers will see uninterrupted movie-streaming speed on Amtrak before we're all dead. It's just not going to happen.

First, I've used Megabus' internet before. It'd be too slow to stream Netflix, or really any video service. It also drops out a fair amount, at least in the Midwest. It's also worth noting that their internet is really nothing more than a cellular USB stick (or possibly two or three of those, but the speed suggests it's only one) plugged into a wireless access point that covers the bus.

That would be the biggest hiccup for Amtrak providing internet. Airlines offer it, but it's $10 a day for access, and I've never had much luck with it. That cost helps to free up the limited satellite bandwidth (along with the extra cost) to the few that want to pay for it. On many LD routes, there are areas that have weak coverage, and possibly only 2G coverage. They also would have more issues with satellites, as there isn't always a clear view of the southern sky.

Now, if they provided the internet with those limitations, it wouldn't be bad, and I wouldn't complain. But until true 4G becomes as prevalent as 3G signal is today, Amtrak can't provide the speed to stream video on its network.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

First, I've used Megabus' internet before. It'd be too slow to stream Netflix, or really any video service. It also drops out a fair amount, at least in the Midwest. It's also worth noting that their internet is really nothing more than a cellular USB stick (or possibly two or three of those, but the speed suggests it's only one) plugged into a wireless access point that covers the bus.

The info I had was from the North East area but that's good to know either way. If that's the case then presumably they'd have similar trouble out here.

That would be the biggest hiccup for Amtrak providing internet. Airlines offer it, but it's $10 a day for access, and I've never had much luck with it. That cost helps to free up the limited satellite bandwidth (along with the extra cost) to the few that want to pay for it.

From I've heard about airline internet it's from surface towers and not from satellites.

On many LD routes, there are areas that have weak coverage, and possibly only 2G coverage. They also would have more issues with satellites, as there isn't always a clear view of the southern sky.

Maybe they can get onboard with the antennas airlines use?

Now, if they provided the internet with those limitations, it wouldn't be bad, and I wouldn't complain. But until true 4G becomes as prevalent as 3G signal is today, Amtrak can't provide the speed to stream video on its network.

I'm honestly not sure how to solve the issue for Amtrak, I just think it would be great to have fast internet along the way. Currently it's non-existent on the routes I ride, whether I wait for Amtrak to provide it or bring every major mobile provider along with me (I've tried them all).

 

[Exiled in Express]

I would be somewhat bored if the Amtrak experience was entirely self contained/catered for me. I enjoy hunting down dinner to go as a local might, Milwaukee Public Market/ Pike Place Market. Chicago Union Station is impressive for 20 minutes, I want to get out and explore.

Amenities I would like to see are expanded parking facilities and better transportation links, better/any bus service or a rental agency that is open during expected train hours. Onboard I would like an off hours vending option, thirsty in coach at 3AM is either BYOB or questionable Amtrak water.

 

[Skylark]

I would love to see WiFi offered - while waiting at a station in California, I connected to a network that served a specific train route utilizing cell towers.

Otherwise, I wish lunch and dinner menus could be interchangeable. Sometimes I just want a burger for dinner, ya know? I understand this isn't a particularly simple change though due to space constraints.

Oh - the Texas Eagle really needs an extra "refill" stop, so to speak. Apparently it makes nearly two round trips before restocking food and supplies. With 2 days left to go on the train, nearly half the menu was out! We also ran out of soap for the bathrooms; luckily our new attendant at San Antonio was able to procure some. We were out of luck with towels and washcloths though. I know these types of things happen, but with the price of a Roomette I am paying for meals and I would like to at least be able to choose from most of the menu!

 

[TimePeace]

Ideally I would rather full speed internet capable of providing streamed movies and instant downloads, but we all know that's not going to happen anytime soon. Just because MegaBus can do it for a fraction of the cost doesn't mean that Amtrak can do it at any cost. I don't know what Amtrak's problem is, but I doubt most customers will see uninterrupted movie-streaming speed on Amtrak before we're all dead.

Can Megabus really do that?

According to what I was told. However, they are not yet covering West Texas to my knowledge, so I'm not sure exactly how well it would work out here. Airlines are covering West Texas and offer internet that's not as robust as what you have at home (or on modern mobile networks) but is far better than what I've tried on Amtrak.

I think you're not going to see it any time soon because the wireless infrastructure isn't quite there yet.

Either way I don't think we're going to see it in our lifetimes. The only way Amtrak could make it work is if they took the money out of something else, and I don't think anyone expects (or wants) them to do that.

Ever the curmudgeon, this begs the question: what did humans ever do, before there was video, when they had to wait a while for the next thing? Or even before there were books (which are the obvious solution to the difficulties Texas Sunset mentions)?

You don't see the pro-movie folks shooting down proposals for an on-board book store or library do you? So why criticize the movie kiosk? Just seems like a waste of time to me. It's not like any of these proposals are going anywhere anyway.

I haven't seen any proposals for anything to do with books. And in fact there are book and magazine stores in stations, and often libraries within a block or two. So I certainly wouldn't expect amtrak to wast any of my fare money on something like movies for passengers. It is not as if they are having trouble selling tickets. What we need are more trains, not more movies.

 

[Anderson]

On movies: I think it's perfectly valid, especially for those who are using the train as regular long-distance transportation rather than "just" to sightsee. God willing, there will come a day, many years from now, when I am running down to Florida for the 100th time on the train, or taking the train east from Chicago for the 200th...and when it is winter, the sun goes down early, and we're passing through small towns that I've seen several times per year for most of my life...yes, I'll want a movie or a book.

With that said, I don't want Amtrak to spend resources on amenities that serve little purpose in attracting passengers when trains are regularly selling out as it is.

On ideas for amenities:

-I'd like to see more first-class lounges for sleeper folks, or at least some lounge-y space in the cafes on the single-level LD trains. I mainly raise this because especially if trains get much longer (or fuller), the SSL is going to get overcrowded on many routes.

-I'd like to see a slumbercoach/duplex roomette/open section level of accommodation made available.

 

[Ziv]

Being able to sleep well for less than the cost of the Coachette would be most excellent! A bunk with a curtain like the sleepers in Asia would be very cool, but the way I look at it, Amtrak has to have sleepers that make at least as much money per passenger as they get now, and I am not sure how it would be best served to do so while providing sleeping options that cost less than a Coachette. Given the 50" seat pitch Amtrak has right now, it may be that the best option would be to install airline type lay-flat (almost) seats that fully recline, but leave your feet 8" off the floor and your head 24" off the floor (approximately). That way Amtrak would have what looked to be a regular coach car during the day and you could stretch out at night and get a real nights rest. I don't think that the seats would be allowed to fully recline during the day because the window seat person has to step pretty lively to get over the aisle person in order to get out. Rolling out a Superliner car that is half lay-flat on each consist of the 4 or 5 longest distance trains would be a good start. More options is a good thing.

The other option would be to use a design like the European Couchette cars, which have real 78" bunks with 4 or 6 bunks per compartment, the bunks are hidden in the day and folded out at night. The problem with Couchettes is that they don't seem to have as high a capacity per car as the lay-flat seats and they require a more robust conversion process.

Which brings us to, if you can sleep at night then you are going to want to be able to shower too, so adding a couple showers would help a lot. But where would you find the space for them?

Self cleaning toilets since the service attendants don't seem to visit them often?

Cleaner windows so my photos come out better?

More food items like a hearty beef stew or firehouse chili that can be prepared in large amounts that stay good all day? Crusty loafs of sourdough bread, cut when you order?

Now my serious reply to the post:

I'd like to see a horizontal bunk bed with a curtain, for more $ than coach but a LOT less than a roomette, meals not included. I would ride a lot more often if I could have that.

I am NOT a sleeper fan but this I could go for but I wouldn't pay more than $50 for it.

That said, I really need to try for an onboard upgrade someday and see if I can get a roomette for $50.

That's the absolute maximum, sleeping horizontally - on a train - is worth to me.

 

[RampWidget]

Our dinner companions on #14 week before last suggested an exercise area on the lower level of one coach, as a replacement for the Arcade Coach space.

They were less than impressed with the Arcade Coach (ancient games, some inoperative, plus someone had attempted to prise open the token machine with some form of tool) and suggested that space be replaced with a workout area. That's not a prime amenity for me, but I can see where it might be for some.

 

[Blackwolf]

Our dinner companions on #14 week before last suggested an exercise area on the lower level of one coach, as a replacement for the Arcade Coach space.

They were less than impressed with the Arcade Coach (ancient games, some inoperative, plus someone had attempted to prise open the token machine with some form of tool) and suggested that space be replaced with a workout area. That's not a prime amenity for me, but I can see where it might be for some.

Some form of workout area did strike me a while back, but then I realized the environment we live in today and figured the notion was futile. About the only thing that would work reasonably enough would be exercise bikes, because everything else would likely cause trouble in a moving train. Imagine being at a full-run on the treadmill, really giving it all you had, when the train encounters a switch frog at 50 mph! :help: :excl: *cues the Benny Hill music*

Nah, the arcade car would be better suited for either a true Business Class section, where perhaps those airline-style Lie Flat seats could be installed? A perfect junction between standard coach and full sleeper; a 2-1 seating, big leather seat, quieter section of the car away from the traffic above, closer to the restrooms and luggage rack, and the ability to have a pseudo-bed at night. No meals included in the ticket, though. If you want a bed & meals both, upgrade to full sleeper for the higher price.

 

[RampWidget]

Our dinner companions on #14 week before last suggested an exercise area on the lower level of one coach, as a replacement for the Arcade Coach space.

They were less than impressed with the Arcade Coach (ancient games, some inoperative, plus someone had attempted to prise open the token machine with some form of tool) and suggested that space be replaced with a workout area. That's not a prime amenity for me, but I can see where it might be for some.

Some form of workout area did strike me a while back, but then I realized the environment we live in today and figured the notion was futile. About the only thing that would work reasonably enough would be exercise bikes, because everything else would likely cause trouble in a moving train. Imagine being at a full-run on the treadmill, really giving it all you had, when the train encounters a switch frog at 50 mph! :help: :excl: *cues the Benny Hill music*

Nah, the arcade car would be better suited for either a true Business Class section, where perhaps those airline-style Lie Flat seats could be installed? A perfect junction between standard coach and full sleeper; a 2-1 seating, big leather seat, quieter section of the car away from the traffic above, closer to the restrooms and luggage rack, and the ability to have a pseudo-bed at night. No meals included in the ticket, though. If you want a bed & meals both, upgrade to full sleeper for the higher price.

Not a bad idea at all! I like that. (Plus the thought of a pax being tossed off a treadmill while the train goes thru a crossover probably makes trial lawyers salivate) hboy:

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

Redbox rents movies for a dollar a day that can be selected or returned at any of tens of thousands of locations all over the country. Even if you lose or destroy the movie it's only going to cost you $25 or so.

Then, why can't you simply rent a movie at any of the already existing "ten of thousands" of locations?

If you need to remember/pack your player of DVD's, why can't you remember/pack the Redbox DVD too?

Quoting from Redbox itself, "Some of the needs you must have: 50,000 worth in foot traffic (that’s daily traffic…), ...". Would all Amtrak stations have that kind of daily traffic required to support a Redbox?

 

[jebr]

Redbox rents movies for a dollar a day that can be selected or returned at any of tens of thousands of locations all over the country. Even if you lose or destroy the movie it's only going to cost you $25 or so.

Then, why can't you simply rent a movie at any of the already existing "ten of thousands" of locations?

If you need to remember/pack your player of DVD's, why can't you remember/pack the Redbox DVD too?

Quoting from Redbox itself, "Some of the needs you must have: 50,000 worth in foot traffic (that's daily traffic…), ...". Would all Amtrak stations have that kind of daily traffic required to support a Redbox?

I doubt they strictly enforce that. There's a Redbox in Walmart here where 50,000 people would mean that every single person in the entire county goes into those stores just under twice a day, and there's two in the next county down where that would mean that every person in the county goes to both of those stores twice a day.

 

[Ryan]

Redbox rents movies for a dollar a day that can be selected or returned at any of tens of thousands of locations all over the country. Even if you lose or destroy the movie it's only going to cost you $25 or so.

Then, why can't you simply rent a movie at any of the already existing "ten of thousands" of locations?

If you need to remember/pack your player of DVD's, why can't you remember/pack the Redbox DVD too?

Quoting from Redbox itself, "Some of the needs you must have: 50,000 worth in foot traffic (that’s daily traffic…), ...". Would all Amtrak stations have that kind of daily traffic required to support a Redbox?

That's not actually from Redbox.

The redboxfranchisecost website is no more affiliated with Redbox than this site is with Amtrak, and the "50,000 worth of foot traffic comes from a commenter there".

Redboxes in larger Amtrak stations (endpoints of LD trains) would be very convenient for some and wouldn't cost Amtrak any money (in fact, it would generate a small amount of money for the station owner (which may or may not be Amtrak)).

Here's where that comes from:

http://www.redboxfranchisecost.com/redbox-dvd-kiosk-requirements/58/

(edited to add quote for page 2 context and link to the "source")

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

That's not actually from Redbox.

The redboxfranchisecost website is no more affiliated with Redbox than this site is with Amtrak, and the "50,000 worth of foot traffic comes from a commenter there".

Well, you might feel that info posted here by the likes of AlanB and Traveler are worthless crap, but I tend to think that such info tends to be pretty reliable. Peer review would not allow anything else to stand unchallenged.

As to Redbox, while the number might not be exactly 50,000, the number of passengers across all Amtrak stations tends to be way, way less than that. Take just one, Orlando (ORL), sees only around 500 passengers a day. I still don't think that foot traffic of just 500 people a day, would support a Redbox.

Does anyone know of a current Redbox that's located in an area with only foot traffic of 500?

 

[benjibear]

As far as redbox, I don't think every station would support a redbox. Orlando, unless there is other things close by, to me sounds like it wouldn't support a Redbox. I can only speak for the northeast but any station where connections are typically made to other trains or even buses (i.e. Philadelphia, Washington, New York), where there is significant commuter traffic for locals to also use the conveniance of one (i.e. same three I already mentioned plus places like Baltimore, Wilmington, New Haven, Providence, Boston), and the locations are urban where you may get foot traffic for people getting lunch or going shopping (many that I already mentioned). I don't think end point stations would be that great of a place unless it meets my other criteria above. For example people at Orlando, are ither starting there journey and they will be prepared or ending there journey and just want to get home or to a hotel.

As far as arcades on Amtrak, I never knew. Sounds very outdated to me with everyone have a laptop to play games or hand held game. When I walk in an establishement that I see an arcade game, I flash back to 20+ years ago. Anyone have any pictures?

 

[Trogdor]

That's not actually from Redbox.

The redboxfranchisecost website is no more affiliated with Redbox than this site is with Amtrak, and the "50,000 worth of foot traffic comes from a commenter there".

Well, you might feel that info posted here by the likes of AlanB and Traveler are worthless crap, but I tend to think that such info tends to be pretty reliable.

That's not the point, nor do I think it comes anywhere close to what Ryan was trying to argue.

You said you were quoting from Redbox itself, which isn't true. That would be akin to taking a post from Alan and saying it was from Amtrak itself.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Redbox rents movies for a dollar a day that can be selected or returned at any of tens of thousands of locations all over the country. Even if you lose or destroy the movie it's only going to cost you $25 or so.

Then, why can't you simply rent a movie at any of the already existing "ten of thousands" of locations?

So when I reach Chicago's Union Station I'm going to exit the station (possibly in between connections) just to go running around town looking for a movie kiosk? That makes no sense at all.

If you need to remember/pack your player of DVD's, why can't you remember/pack the Redbox DVD too?

Rather than repeat myself I would request that you read this post before replying further.

Quoting from Redbox itself, "Some of the needs you must have: 50,000 worth in foot traffic (that’s daily traffic…), ...". Would all Amtrak stations have that kind of daily traffic required to support a Redbox?

In other words "Quoting a random source I haven't vetted in order to make wildly unrealistic claims about a service I am completely unfamiliar with..."

I thought this thread was about offering more amenities in order to make life easier for Amtrak passengers. How about you give us your own suggestion for a new or improved amenity that would make things easier for your or your friends and family? It's certainly your right to rag on anything you don't like, but maybe it would be more fun if you came up with something of your own to contribute? Just sayin'.

 

[MiRider]

Re: Redbox and DVDs - this is a 100% non issue to and for me because....

If you're using a laptop to play DVDs, why not just open an iTunes account (if you don't already have one) and download rental movies from there?

It doesn't have to be an Apple device, PCs work perfectly with iTunes in my experience, ymmv, but I use it on my netbook and other PCs with no problems.

You actually download the rental to your device, no streaming and no internet connection needed to play - just make sure your movies are downloaded before you go.

You can only play them on the device you rent them on but you have 30 days to watch it with a 24 hour play window.

They're usually $2.99 to $4.99 to rent and they even have HD rentals on almost all of the movies - I don't rent HD as it takes up 2x the space on my iPad.

I always have 5 - 6 movies rented and ready to watch when I'm on the train.

In fact, if you have an Android device that isn't rooted and is/was supported by the former Android Market, you can rent movies from Google Play (the former Android Market) and use the Google Video app to pin the movies for offline play.

 

[Bierboy]

... after the sun goes down while south-bound out of Portland, there is not much to see outside....

See, I just don't get this. I just LOVE staring out the windows day or night. Nighttime presents a very different perspective of the landscape no matter where you are...

 

[Devil's Advocate]

... after the sun goes down while south-bound out of Portland, there is not much to see outside....

See, I just don't get this. I just LOVE staring out the windows day or night. Nighttime presents a very different perspective of the landscape no matter where you are...

I'd have to agree with you. Watching the after hours journey from inside a dark and clear dome on the Canadian was one of my favorite rail related experiences. Unfortunately, in the case of Amtrak it's kind of hard to see anything through darkly tinted windows with the interior lights on.

 

[Donctor]

Re: Redbox and DVDs - this is a 100% non issue to and for me because....

If you're using a laptop to play DVDs, why not just open an iTunes account (if you don't already have one) and download rental movies from there?

It doesn't have to be an Apple device, PCs work perfectly with iTunes in my experience, ymmv, but I use it on my netbook and other PCs with no problems.

You actually download the rental to your device, no streaming and no internet connection needed to play - just make sure your movies are downloaded before you go.

You can only play them on the device you rent them on but you have 30 days to watch it with a 24 hour play window.

They're usually $2.99 to $4.99 to rent and they even have HD rentals on almost all of the movies - I don't rent HD as it takes up 2x the space on my iPad.

I always have 5 - 6 movies rented and ready to watch when I'm on the train.

In fact, if you have an Android device that isn't rooted and is/was supported by the former Android Market, you can rent movies from Google Play (the former Android Market) and use the Google Video app to pin the movies for offline play.

Wifi in the stations isn't always good enough to download anything. One of the benefits of Redbox is that people don't have to plan their rental in advance.

 

[Shawn Ryu]

Personal TVs like those on airplanes.