David Benton wrote:If Amtrak wasn't so adverse to Mid trip switching , the shortage could be alleviated by switching the Diner in/out enroute. This would save at least one diner per route. For e.g the LSL diner is switched out at Buffalo( from NYP), returns on the next mornings train to NYP. The only dining meal missed out on is one breakfast into Chicago.That would require a crew in buffalo and an engine to remove the diner, set it out, mechanical to inspect it. Waste of money. And then when they go to add the car back in the car needs an air slip and the train will need another brake test to be sent on its way. So now thats more delays enroute or possible points of failure. Its more cost effective to just do it the way it is.
Now what happens if a diner is shopped in buffalo? DH it to NY? Albany? Chicago? Where will the replacement come from?
No good deed goes unpunished.