Spending a Downeaster trip in the cafe car?

[bostoncamerman]

Hi all,

Firstly I have to say that the discussions in this forum make me want to eschew my car and take a train across the country.

So my question relates to a trip I'm going to take on the Downeaster. I'm a big guy and I tend to do everyone a favor and buy a business class seat when I'm going BON/POR so as to not put anyone out (I'm usually the last one anybody sits with in coach). Unfortunately this coming week filled up faster than I imagined and I'm stuck with a coach seat. While in business class I've noticed people sitting at the tables in the cafe part of the car for large parts of the trip. I'm wondering if anyone knows if I would be bothered, or would be bothering anybody if I chose to sit there for the trip from BON to POR?

Thanks in advance!

 

[the_traveler]

Welcome!

I don't think they would mind. I've seen many people camped out there with their computers - and I don't think they just there and bought a cup of coffee!

 

[Acela150]

I'm about 6 foot and I survive the 5 and a half hour ride from PHL-RTE in coach, same cars used on the Downeaster. I've seen people taller then me in coach as well.

 

[bostoncamerman]

I'm about 6 foot and I survive the 5 and a half hour ride from PHL-RTE in coach, same cars used on the Downeaster. I've seen people taller then me in coach as well.

Eh, more girth than height (I too am 6'). Like I said, more as to not inconvenience others (the train is sold out) than to get a more comfortable seat for myself.

 

[had8ley]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

 

[NY Penn]

Just make sure that you are in your seat when tickets are collected.

 

[Acela150]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

IIRC there BON isn't a staffed station. Just QT's.

 

[the_traveler]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

IIRC there BON isn't a staffed station. Just QT's.

No, BON is staffed. The ticket window is against the wall and is hard to see - but it is there!

 

[Acela150]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

IIRC there BON isn't a staffed station. Just QT's.

No, BON is staffed. The ticket window is against the wall and is hard to see - but it is there!

Last time I rode the Downeaster's IIRC it wasn't staffed. That was back in '02.

 

[amamba]

There is definitely a staffed ticket window at BON. It is a little hard to see because it is sort of hidden in the wall and it is around the corner from the MBTA ticket window. But it is near the timetables against the wall towards the right hand side of the station if the platforms are in front of you and the escalators up to the garden are behind you.

 

[MikefromCrete]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

IIRC there BON isn't a staffed station. Just QT's.

No, BON is staffed. The ticket window is against the wall and is hard to see - but it is there!

Last time I rode the Downeaster's IIRC it wasn't staffed. That was back in '02.

Gee that was only nine years ago!

 

[Acela150]

Although there are about 15 seats in B/C you might want to ask the tix agent if there were any cancellations. The one side seats (it's a 2+1 configuration) ought to be just what you are looking for. Good luck!

IIRC there BON isn't a staffed station. Just QT's.

No, BON is staffed. The ticket window is against the wall and is hard to see - but it is there!

Last time I rode the Downeaster's IIRC it wasn't staffed. That was back in '02.

Gee that was only nine years ago!

LOL! Well when I'm in Boston now it's to see the girlfriend.. :lol: I'm heading up there next month for a vacation trip! Ride trolleys subways! All day long! Can't wait!

 

[AlanB]

BON IIRC has been staffed pretty much since the Downeaster started. Again it's an odd window, but it is staffed.