Cars and locomotives that Amtrak should have, but doesn't

MattW wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:53 am

DutchRailnut wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 4:52 pm long distance travel like on NEC could not use the multi levels due to ADA requirements. after all Grandma might want to head for bar or dining car.

Wheelchair-bound passengers already can't move more than one car on the eastern LDs (H-bedroom to diner) and between any cars on the western LDs. Though I don't think the multilevel EMU is good for Amtrak for other reasons, this isn't one.

If you look at the regulations posted above there is no reason you couldn't build a cafe car for NEC trains that holds the ADA compliant coach seating as well.

rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2019 10:13 amIf you look at the regulations posted above there is no reason you couldn't build a cafe car for NEC trains that holds the ADA compliant coach seating as well.

Speaking of cars Amtrak needs but doesn’t have: this kind of car.

Greg Moore wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:17 pm A decent single level "lounge" car with overhead windows much like Superliner Lounge car.

For routes along the Hudson and other areas, this would be quite nice. Perhaps do it as the cafe car, but definitely larger windows.

Amtrak has 25 Viewliner Diners, of which only 11 are required for service. There’s no current assignment for the other 14 cars and 1 prototype! Beautiful brand new cars with double row of windows! Use them as Lounge/cafe cars!

jp1822 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2019 7:24 pm

Greg Moore wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:17 pm A decent single level "lounge" car with overhead windows much like Superliner Lounge car.

For routes along the Hudson and other areas, this would be quite nice. Perhaps do it as the cafe car, but definitely larger windows.

Amtrak has 25 Viewliner Diners, of which only 11 are required for service. There’s no current assignment for the other 14 cars and 1 prototype! Beautiful brand new cars with double row of windows! Use them as Lounge/cafe cars!

For the same space have reserved time 7-9, 11-1, 5-7. No reservation open seating for early birds 5-7, late diners 7-9. Tables open to anyone outside of those hours. Should take little time to clean & wash tables.

What do you need reserved times for? Not following.... These cars function as Sleeper Lounges on three Amtrak LD routes, and even during meal periods, there’s plenty of room..... Tack them behind business class and do it as an upsell for any corridor trains. You buy a business “plus” ticket.

Course on some trains - the Vermonter - does it make sense to call business class “business class” north of Springfield?

I’ve long argued that Amtrak should create a “touring” or “premium” class. VIA’s done well with this - Prestige, Tourist, Sleeper Plus. And for corridor trains - you still have business class...Family traveling home or to visit - they take business class?

What piece of equipment does VIA use that allows them to charge twice as much for a sleeper berth? The Park cars with an immediately adjacent most recently refurbished sleeper car.
How many dome sleeper cars are there in Amtrak’s roster? None.
How many dome sleeper cars would Amtrak need to provide this service on every long distance train?
A whole lot more than the 4-6 refurbished Park cars. VIA provides this service on just one train that runs twice a week, not even on a daily schedule. Amtrak runs at least 12 named long distance trains with daily service. Amtrak would need at least 24 times more domed sleeper cars than what VIA uses to based this service upon. Where are you going to find them?