I would much prefer to see the non-LD trains go much, much faster so I can get to my destination before actually getting hungry. That means having these trains finish their journey in less than 4 hours.
By definition, non-LD trains travel less than 750 miles. Some math follows:
750 miles / 4 hours = an average speed of 188 mph.
Not possible in any dream or real world.
But few passengers actually ride non-LD trains 750 miles. Let's review Amtrak's NEC regional statistics - Amtrak's busiest by far railroad service.
https://railpassengers.org/site/assets/ ... 453/5a.pdf
0- 99 mi 33.9%
100- 199 mi 30.0%
200- 299 mi 33.8%
300- 399 mi 1.6%
400+ mi 0.7%
Less than 2% ride further than 300 miles.
More math follows:
300 miles / 4 hours = average speed of 75 mph
Very doable.
What about within 3 hours?
300 miles / 3 hours = average speed of 100 mph.
Doable with brand new very expensive to implement HSR trains.
All this talk about improving food services on non-LD trains seems to be aimed for the wrong results.
After all, there is a reason why airlines get away with lousy food selections on most of their domestic flights, i.e. they get you there before you get hungry.