Texas Eagle Sightseer lounge discontinued

[jis]

Mica used to complain about Amtrak being like Soviet Railroads. Oh how I wish Amtrak was like RZD now! Of course Mica knew nothing about what he was talking about. He was a good "Florida Man" afterall! Hey! I can say that. I live in Florida in the deep Red part of it.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Here is the response I got from Amtrak for my compaint about removing the Sightseer Lounges. I don't like the tone of this.

We appreciate your taking the time to send us your comments regarding the retirement of the Sightseeing Lounge car.
We know that many of our customers have enjoyed this popular car over the years but the decision to retire it is part of Amtrak’s plan to modernize our fleet of equipment. We are examining the various amenities in an effort to determine how best to offer these services moving forward.
As we hope you will understand, these determinations were not made lightly, and are being implemented wholly with the purpose of ensuring the financial excellence Amtrak requires to deliver intercity transportation into the future with superior safety, customer service, and efficiency.
Again, thank you for your e-mail. We look forward to seeing you on board again soon.

Typical Amtrak BS! How does taking the SSL off of the Eagles " Enhance" Passengers enjoyment of 30+ Hour Train trips?

Oh, that's right, just like "Fesh and Contemporary" and Flex Dining Menus " Ehanced" the Diner expierience!

Write the White House, Mayor Pete @ DOT, Amtrak and your Senators and Reps today!

This must not be allowed to Stand!

 

[20th Century Rider]

This rep guy uses 'modernize' as a way to 'minimize costs and maximize revenue.'

Typical Amtrak BS! How does taking the SSL off of the Eagles " Enhance" Passengers enjoyment of 30+ Hour Train trips?

Oh, that's right, just like "Fesh and Contemporary" and Flex Dining Menus " Ehanced" the Diner expierience!

Write the White House, Mayor Pete @ DOT, Amtrak and your Senators and Reps today!

This must not be allowed to Stand!

We're all angry about Amtrak's deceptive practices, twisted statements, and indifference towards the passengers. We've all been loyal to Amtrak and have been shortchanged... as they say, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you.'

Moynihan hall may be a monument to the past 50 years... but going forward with Amtrak's demise, it seems to be a fitting tombstone.

 

[jiml]

Amtrak’s response is more onerous than I would have thought. “Retirement” reminds me of the PPC verbiage. Only 30 years sooner. What the hey is going on...

Things are not looking good.

That's the word I find most concerning, repeated in the phrase "decision to retire". That sounds more like the thin edge of the wedge rather than a "one-of" situation. If they said there was a shortage on other routes and equipment had to be redeployed, then say that. People will not be any happier but will at least understand the thought process. Hopefully this is not a sign that the Sightseers will follow the PPC route of "if it doesn't make money...".

 

[Palmetto]

It's not too far-fetched to think that some Amtrak lackey who's responsible for addressing complaints, simply got hold of a "stock" letter to address this situation, when--in fact--the letter that was recently sent pertained to the PPC discontinuance. Is it? After all, it's been amply demonstrated that people in the Amtrak office who deal with the public have no clue as to what's going on "in the field".

 

[Amtrakfflyer]

Of all the issues Amtrak has today including poor lackluster moral, failed corridor initiatives, endless $$ NEC deferred maintenance, etc. What do they do?
They pick the one product line that shows the most promise post covid and debatably before to tear apart. The long distance network, all things considered is the only solid performer Amtrak has had year in and year out. It costs peanuts to run even though management claims otherwise.

In the big picture of Amtrak how much money will Amtrak save by “retiring” the lounges? I think we can safely assume traditional dining will not be coming back to the Eagle and possibly other western trains as well now. This will end up costing the company money and ridership, no savings will be seen. Again it’s time to call a spade a spade and demand new management while there’s still time. As far as RPA I think that’s becoming apparent as well.

 

[jis]

Who exactly are you going to demand this grand scheme of? The fox guarding the hen house?

 

[me_little_me]

Didn't I say that they lie?
Amtrak Dining

How do you know when an Amtrak executive is lying? His lips move.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Here is the response I got from Amtrak for my compaint about removing the Sightseer Lounges. I don't like the tone of this.

We appreciate your taking the time to send us your comments regarding the retirement of the Sightseeing Lounge car.
We know that many of our customers have enjoyed this popular car over the years but the decision to retire it is part of Amtrak’s plan to modernize our fleet of equipment. We are examining the various amenities in an effort to determine how best to offer these services moving forward.
As we hope you will understand, these determinations were not made lightly, and are being implemented wholly with the purpose of ensuring the financial excellence Amtrak requires to deliver intercity transportation into the future with superior safety, customer service, and efficiency.
Again, thank you for your e-mail. We look forward to seeing you on board again soon.

As a loyal patron of Amtrak, I take offense at this 'slick' reply.

This is why I'm offended:

1] He's not assuming we are experienced Amtrak riders for the last 50 years.
2] He doesn't realize we have intelligence and the ability to read between the lines.
3] He doesn't explain why and how removing the SSC now... will help modernize the fleet.
4] When he states "We are examining the various amenities in an effort to determine how best to offer these services moving forward." he is not indicating that the revised services are for the welfare and comfort of the Amtrak passenger.
5] He is careful to leave out the 'why' when he says 'these determinations were not made lightly.'
6] What does he mean when he refers to 'financial excellence' and the connection with removing the SSC?
7] Is he implying the SSC is not safe when he mentions 'with superior safety?'
8] Is he implying the SSC has deterred customer service and efficiency?

Bottom line is that the meaningless gibberish in the reply supposedly meant to pacify... has infuriated many of us!

 

[Sidney]

So,does this mean every SSL car will be retired? Total crap from Amtrak. Only decent thing Amtrak did for their 50th was to have $50 Coach fares,and at the same time raising sleeper prices putting many of them out of reach of ordinary Americans

Taking the SSL car off the TE and CL was a move because of the pandemic. Now it is being retired?

All these petty moves by Amtrak. I thought Anderson was the bottom of the barrel. I stand corrected.

 

[Sidney]

This rep guy uses 'modernize' as a way to 'minimize costs and maximize revenue.'

We're all angry about Amtrak's deceptive practices, twisted statements, and indifference towards the passengers. We've all been loyal to Amtrak and have been shortchanged... as they say, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you.'

Moynihan hall may be a monument to the past 50 years... but going forward with Amtrak's demise, it seems to be a fitting tombstone.

View attachment 22417

Moynihan Hall is the only positive mood Amtrak has made in years. The food and drink available there is better than anything on the flex menu. Too bad that kind of excellence can't be transferred to the actual train ride.

 

[Sidney]

Moynihan Hall is the only positive mood Amtrak has made in years. The food and drink available there is better than anything on the flex menu. Too bad that kind of excellence can't be transferred to the actual train ride.

positive move

 

[20th Century Rider]

positive move

But as mentioned earlier... Moynihan Hall is a recognition of Amtrak's best of the past... yet like a tombstone of what's yet to come.

 

[zephyr17]

Moynihan Hall is the only positive mood Amtrak has made in years. The food and drink available there is better than anything on the flex menu. Too bad that kind of excellence can't be transferred to the actual train ride.

Of course, Moynihan Train Hall is at the heart of the NEC. That there is no shortage of love of the NEC by Amtrak management is not news.

While I applaud Moynihan Train Hall, and the quality of it's new Metropolitan Lounge, I do not regard it as a positive move for the system as a whole. It is at most a nothing move, at worst another symptom of the Nothing Else Counts syndrome.

If they brought that level of service to Chicago's fine Metropolitan Lounge as well, that is something I would regard as a positive move.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

If they brought that level of service to Chicago's fine Metropolitan Lounge as well, that is something I would regard as a positive move.

Is Moynihans Lounge very different from Chicago’s lounge when it opened?

 

[20th Century Rider]

Of course, Moynihan Train Hall is at the heart of the NEC. That there is no shortage of love of the NEC by Amtrak management is not news.

While I applaud Moynihan Train Hall, and the quality of it's new Metropolitan Lounge, I do not regard it as a positive move for the system as a whole. It is at most a nothing move, at worst another symptom of the Nothing Else Counts syndrome.

If they brought that level of service to Chicago's fine Metropolitan Lounge as well, that is something I would regard as a positive move.

Moynihan Hall is brilliant and grand... but reflective of a disjointed and disorganized Amtrak. In no way is it reflective of the entire Amtrak system. One wonders why there isn't a cohesive standard for all metropolitan lounges!

Has anyone seen the deteriorating condition of the Met Lounge in WAS?

Speaks mountains about the fragmentation and disconnect with Amtrak management not having a grasp or a clue of uniformity and consistency... that the patrons who pay big bucks have a right to expect!

 

[zephyr17]

One wonders why there isn't a cohesive standard for all metropolitan lounges!

Has anyone seen the deteriorating condition of the Met Lounge in WAS?

Speaks mountains about the fragmentation and disconnect with Amtrak management not having a grasp or a clue of uniformity and consistency... that the patrons who pay big bucks have a right to expect!

Unfortunately, inconsistency of customer service and experience has been Amtrak's most defining feature for decades. That predates the current clueless management team and seems like an ingrained part of Amtrak's corporate culture.

If a truly competent management team were ever installed at Amtrak, pursuing clear goals of a truly national passenger system (their actual mandate), one of the first priorities would be to mount a sustained program to improve customer service delivery and consistency. It is not a quick turnaround given that slapdash management of customer service is a longstanding feature of Amtrak's corporate culture.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Unfortunately, inconsistency of customer service and experience has been Amtrak's most defining feature for decades. That predates the current clueless management team and seems like an ingrained part of Amtrak's corporate culture.

If a truly competent management team were ever installed at Amtrak, pursuing clear goals of a truly national passenger system (their actual mandate), one of the first priorities would be to mount a sustained program to improve customer service delivery and consistency. It is not a quick turnaround given that slapdash management of customer service is a longstanding feature of Amtrak's corporate culture.

Dangling a carrot in front of the eyes of those who are Amtrak's biggest supporters... then with a tease... just pulling it away... the epitome of disrespect.

But then again... management bureaucrats couldn't care less. They go to work each day... put in their time, 'bla bla bla' then go home to their dinners of steak and potatoes... salary is pd by the US government... our taxes in action.

This is the demise and the unfolding failure of Amtrak.

 

[PaTrainFan]

Of course, Moynihan Train Hall is at the heart of the NEC. That there is no shortage of love of the NEC by Amtrak management is not news.

While I applaud Moynihan Train Hall, and the quality of it's new Metropolitan Lounge, I do not regard it as a positive move for the system as a whole. It is at most a nothing move, at worst another symptom of the Nothing Else Counts syndrome.

If they brought that level of service to Chicago's fine Metropolitan Lounge as well, that is something I would regard as a positive move.

Bear in mind, too, that this was primarily a State of New York project. It is only because of the state that it happened at all, let alone became grandiose.

 

[zephyr17]

Bear in mind, too, that this was primarily a State of New York project. It is only because of the state that it happened at all, let alone became grandiose.

True, and I realize I wasn't as clear as I would have liked. I really meant my comments to apply primarily to the Metropolitan Lounge there, which really is more of an Amtrak thing than Moynihan itself.

The construction of Moynihan primarily by the state of New York is not a lot different than the restoration of King Street Station in Seattle primarily by the City of Seattle. Amtrak was responsible for neither and is the beneficiary of local government actions.

But Amtrak decided not to put a Metropolitan Lounge in one of them, despite robust state-supported corridor services (pre-COVID) and two long distance trains.

 

[20th Century Rider]

Realizing what's happening...

When Amtrak replaced restaurant quality meals with synthetic food... 'flex meals' are synthetic and bad for you... no taste, no texture, and hated by many... please do argue here if you disagree... that grabbed the attention of rail loving travelers.

And while no one was looking... they pulled the rug out with the elimination of other passenger amenities and comforts... mainly the sneaky withdrawal of the SSL's which all just kind-a took for granted... and provided a movement to another location with a chance to stretch and mingle with others ... being taken away.

Amtrak management is hiding with heads buried underneath pillows... going to their jobs, syncing with their managers, then going home to their steak dinners... paid for with our taxes.

Amtrak is invited to respond to our concern of the disassembling of passenger service... making the use of such into an expensive and uncomfortable ordeal... which many of us will just walk away from.

My prediction is that Amtrak won't bother to respond... because the patrons of Amtrak are no more important that those millions who purchase stamps to mail letters. We are just living under the rules and conditions of the government.

 

[PaTrainFan]

True, and I realize I wasn't as clear as I would have liked. I really meant my comments to apply primarily to the Metropolitan Lounge there, which really is more of an Amtrak thing than Moynihan itself.

The construction of Moynihan primarily by the state of New York is not a lot different than the restoration of King Street Station in Seattle primarily by the City of Seattle. Amtrak was responsible for neither and is the beneficiary of local government actions.

But Amtrak decided not to put a Metropolitan Lounge in one of them, despite robust state-supported corridor services (pre-COVID) and two long distance trains.

True that. And it is telling that Chicago's Metropolitan Lounge, while a fine facility, trails Moynihan in experience in part because it sits at the terminal point of most of Amtrak's network of long haul trains, which it wants to dismantle.

 

[Sidney]

It seems possible Amtrak may pull the Sightseer cars off other trains. I put nothing past them. Can you imagine no SSL on the Zephyr and the Starlight,?

Regarding Metropolitan lounges why isn't one in Seattle,? A departure city for the CS and EB. Portland has one,why not Seattle?

I ll be in Chicago Thursday at the Metropolitan Lounge. If they aren't serving food and drinks,it's not Covid anymore. It's sheer laziness and that nobody cares.

 

[20th Century Rider]

It seems possible Amtrak may pull the Sightseer cars off other trains. I put nothing past them. Can you imagine no SSL on the Zephyr and the Starlight,?

Regarding Metropolitan lounges why isn't one in Seattle,? A departure city for the CS and EB. Portland has one,why not Seattle?

I ll be in Chicago Thursday at the Metropolitan Lounge. If they aren't serving food and drinks,it's not Covid anymore. It's sheer laziness and that nobody cares.

No... not exactly laziness... it's total disregard for the concept of 'passenger service' which is part of Amtrak's plan to do away with itself.

To sum it up... Amtrak's deterioration is due to lack of interest in passengers, service, and rail transit concept... along with this is a management team which is absolutely and totally 'derailed.'

 

[zephyr17]

Regarding Metropolitan lounges why isn't one in Seattle,? A departure city for the CS and EB. Portland has one,why not Seattle?

There is room for one in King Street. Unfortunately neither Amtrak, nor the City of Seattle (the Station's owner), nor Washington DOT (responsible for Cascades service) demonstrate any interest.

Amtrak should be the primary mover on it, but none of the other parties care, either.