On-board/station amenities dreams/wishes

[Ryan]

Now I've got a Redbox ad at the top of this AU page.

but you obviously don't have adblock.

Some us prefer to actually help Anthony run the site and let the ads through.

Ad blockers are great tools, but remember that when you use them to block ads on this forum, you are making it harder for me to keep the site going...

First of all, people, when someone uses AdBlocker or whatever other tool, it makes it harder to keep this site going. That's a plain fact, and I can't stop anyone from doing it - but the revenue from these ads is really important as it keeps this site free and available to everyone. Even if you don't click directly on an ad, many ad campaigns pay us based on page views (impressions) alone. It would be far more fruitful for the site if you simply ignored the ads as opposed to blocking them from appearing entirely. But, that's just my humble request.

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/29664-political-ad-on-top-of-page-very-offensive/page__view__findpost__p__196533

(I have an adblocker installed, but whitelist sites like this that I find worthy of support. You might consider doing the same.)

 

[amamba]

Please don't use adblocker on AU - let's keep this site up and running!

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

Ads on this site have never been a problem as they show only 1 at a time and I'll let them through if that keeps money in the Kitty. It's all these other sites that are crammed with them I'm more than happy to scour clean

 

[sitzplatz17]

I'd say one of the things I wish Amtrak used would be the small bar area in the upper level of the SSL. I never seen it used for anything on my trips. Granted it's not a big deal to go down the steps and buy a drink down there, but it'd be nice to see that area used for something.

In know, I know, it'd be an extra person Amtrak would have to employ.

As for TV in the SSL, I'm very happy they got rid of those... really destroyed the ambiance of the SSL when they had a movie on.

I think the Auto Train still has the movies though, but it's been 3 years since my last AT trip so it might have changed since then.

 

[MiRider]

Now I've got a Redbox ad at the top of this AU page.

but you obviously don't have adblock.

Some us prefer to actually help Anthony run the site and let the ads through.

Ad blockers are great tools, but remember that when you use them to block ads on this forum, you are making it harder for me to keep the site going...

First of all, people, when someone uses AdBlocker or whatever other tool, it makes it harder to keep this site going. That's a plain fact, and I can't stop anyone from doing it - but the revenue from these ads is really important as it keeps this site free and available to everyone. Even if you don't click directly on an ad, many ad campaigns pay us based on page views (impressions) alone. It would be far more fruitful for the site if you simply ignored the ads as opposed to blocking them from appearing entirely. But, that's just my humble request.

http://discuss.amtra...post__p__196533

(I have an adblocker installed, but whitelist sites like this that I find worthy of support. You might consider doing the same.)

I'll do that!

 

[Henry Kisor]

I'd thought one big reason the TVs disappeared from the Sightseer Lounges was the advent of the personal video player. That and the bad-ordered TV sets and cassette players.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

I'd thought one big reason the TVs disappeared from the Sightseer Lounges was the advent of the personal video player. That and the bad-ordered TV sets and cassette players.

I do know they constantly had problems with the audio tape players in the Diner as they would constantly drag and cut out, making otherwise happy music sound like a bunch of fighting cats. Dining car music seemed to be very popular prior to Amtrak.

And that leads to today's railroad movie trivia question-What was the name of the background music playing in the 20th Century Limited Diner in North By Northwest? First to answer correctly wins an Unlimited Travel Pass on the upcoming Amtrak Hawaiian between Los Angeles and Honolulu

 

[AlanB]

I think the Auto Train still has the movies though, but it's been 3 years since my last AT trip so it might have changed since then.

I haven't heard that those TV's have been pulled, therefore I believe that movies are still shown in the evenings.

 

[AlanB]

I'd thought one big reason the TVs disappeared from the Sightseer Lounges was the advent of the personal video player. That and the bad-ordered TV sets and cassette players.

Actually, it was theft of the movie tapes and the VCR's that played a much bigger role in the demise of the TV's in the lounge cars.

The other things helped it along, but theft was the bigger factor.

 

[rrdude]

I'd thought one big reason the TVs disappeared from the Sightseer Lounges was the advent of the personal video player. That and the bad-ordered TV sets and cassette players.

Actually, it was theft of the movie tapes and the VCR's that played a much bigger role in the demise of the TV's in the lounge cars.

The other things helped it along, but theft was the bigger factor.

Was on the AT in March, they still showed movies in the lounge........

 

[JayPea]

I do know they constantly had problems with the audio tape players in the Diner as they would constantly drag and cut out, making otherwise happy music sound like a bunch of fighting cats. Dining car music seemed to be very popular prior to Amtrak.

With some of what passes as music these days, I think I'd prefer to listen to a bunch of fighting cats. :blink: It's my own personal preference and I certainly don't expect anyone else to follow the same path, but I still enjoy looking out the window at night, watching the farms and towns roll by.

 

[Donctor]

I'd say one of the things I wish Amtrak used would be the small bar area in the upper level of the SSL. I never seen it used for anything on my trips. Granted it's not a big deal to go down the steps and buy a drink down there, but it'd be nice to see that area used for something.

In know, I know, it'd be an extra person Amtrak would have to employ.

Used as an LSA stand when a lounge subs for a Parlour.

 

[Ispolkom]

I'd say one of the things I wish Amtrak used would be the small bar area in the upper level of the SSL. I never seen it used for anything on my trips. Granted it's not a big deal to go down the steps and buy a drink down there, but it'd be nice to see that area used for something.

Ride the Empire Builder in the summer. The past couple of summers there's been an extra attendant in the upper level between Chicago and, I think, Whitefish. He sells a limited selection of products, and only takes cash.

 

[Casinocim]

I'd say one of the things I wish Amtrak used would be the small bar area in the upper level of the SSL. I never seen it used for anything on my trips. Granted it's not a big deal to go down the steps and buy a drink down there, but it'd be nice to see that area used for something.

In know, I know, it'd be an extra person Amtrak would have to employ.

Used as an LSA stand when a lounge subs for a Parlour.

I have thought this little area might be good for coffee and espresso(Starbucks on the move), which I would love. Or anywhere on the train.

Sleeping bunks would be great.

When in a sleeper, mid afternoon, the attendant come by with snacks and drinks. Warm cookies and milk in the evening.

I like the idea of the tv screens on the back of seats in coach. Some type of tv system in sleepers.

And some gambling cars, slots, card games :giggle:

Ice cream in the lounge and fresh brewed ice tea.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

How about upgrading the Lounge/Cafe menu to something like this:

http://www.thalys.com/img/pdf/services/carte_bar_momentum.pdf

I'd "beef up" the Breakfast side of the menu a bit to offer wider variety. Considering the Euro is currently trading for about a $1.30 the prices are not too bad.

 

[NETrainfan]

Interesting ideas here.

1. Agree with those who say the scenery from the train is fine day and night-

Prefer to watch scenery rather than movies, but for those who like movies, why not just buy $5 DVDs (we buy lots of good movies for that price) and bring them?

2. Like the idea of the sleepers without meals option for cost savings. Possible?

Also like the idea of "flat-lying" seats. Possible?

3. More smaller, less expensive dinner options is a wish of ours, as are less expensive lunches (sandwiches) in the cafe. We do bring some snacks with us, but don't want to bring our own sandwiches- does anyone else think the cafe offerings are too expensive? (Breakfast in the dinner, on the other hand, is a bargain.)

4. Larger restrooms are a wish for us. On the Southwest Chief there was a combo dressing room/restroom with a small couch, and two seats by the vanity. This was so handy. On our 2010 Southwest Chief trip there was a handicap accessible room where that dressing room had been.

Can someone elaborate on this change?

 

[sitzplatz17]

I'd say one of the things I wish Amtrak used would be the small bar area in the upper level of the SSL. I never seen it used for anything on my trips. Granted it's not a big deal to go down the steps and buy a drink down there, but it'd be nice to see that area used for something.

Ride the Empire Builder in the summer. The past couple of summers there's been an extra attendant in the upper level between Chicago and, I think, Whitefish. He sells a limited selection of products, and only takes cash.

I'm working on it! Haven't done the EB yet - been keeping a close eye on AmSnag for a roomette.

Looking forward to seeing one of my wishes be true then!

 

[MiRider]

4. Larger restrooms are a wish for us. On the Southwest Chief there was a combo dressing room/restroom with a small couch, and two seats by the vanity. This was so handy. On our 2010 Southwest Chief trip there was a handicap accessible room where that dressing room had been.

Can someone elaborate on this change?

On every Superliner coach that I've been on with lower level seating, there has been an accessible restroom on the right side, near the exit door, before you go down the hall of restrooms.

I've never seen one at the end of the hall and it really wouldn't be accessible with such a small door and narrow hall.

The *large* dressing room without a lockable door but with attached toilet room with lock, has been at the end of the restroom hall, the door you see facing you.

The first restroom on the left side usually has a little bench in it too, I've been one or two trains where this wasn't so though.

I doubt we'll get bigger restrooms but one thing I really liked on my CZ trip last week was a can of spray disinfectant cleaner in every restroom I went in, it was nice not having to use my own wipes.

The restrooms were always clean, the CAs also constantly cleaned up and had battery operated sweepers, it was an awesome crew.

 

[sunchaser]

More Sleeper Cars on each route!!!

I would like to see better linens & better 'mattress pads' in the sleepers, maybe memory foam?

Maybe add a real small fridge in the bedrooms (behind the mirror?)

I would love it if the bottom bed was larger, but I know that's asking alot, there isn't much room to do that!!

I would certainly change up the menus a bit, but that's just personal preference.

I agree that a 'First Class Lounge Car' would be an awesome addition, but I doubt if that would happen because of the costs involved.

A 'smoking car' or availability to smoke somewhere on the train, or even outside on an attached platform at the end off coach, like the old trains had.

I know that this has been discussed many times and I realize that many here do not smoke, I'm thinking that there should be some way to provide it in a way that it does not bother or affect the non smokers!

We do just fine waiting to smoke at the stops, (with no patches or gum) but it would be nicer, in my opinion to have the option to smoke if we want. And again, in a way that would not bother those that do not smoke.

We plan on taking/downloading movies before we leave for our trip, so that won't be an issue for us.

 

[Peter KG6LSE]

I was in the Nashville AIrport today and behold INside the secure area was a lone redbox .. .. I understand that a dinky amshack is not a Intl A/P .

But I still feel a Ourdoors redbox at stations is not a bad idea ...I know in my old home of Ottumwa there is at least 3 redbox in a area smaller then CUS !

MCdees . Kum and go and HyVee so I dont see why a R/B at the OTM station is a bad idea .

Peter

 

[Shawn Ryu]

3. More smaller, less expensive dinner options is a wish of ours, as are less expensive lunches (sandwiches) in the cafe. We do bring some snacks with us, but don't want to bring our own sandwiches- does anyone else think the cafe offerings are too expensive? (Breakfast in the dinner, on the other hand, is a bargain.)

Honestly they are overpriced but cant blame Amtrak for doing so.

And they dont go overboard with it unlike movie theaters and sporting events.