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Members... On April 5, 2002, I am meeting my brother at Washington, Union Station, to take the Acela to Boston. We will be retuning to Washington, April 8, 2002. Is there anyone out there, who can give me any, "first hand" information on this train ride? Is there any likely-hood, we may encounter any problems? What services are offered on this train, food, drinks, etc? Thanks, so much. ...Richard
lakeshorelimited Member # 576
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I rode the Acela Ex about 10 months ago, and I must say, it's the most comfortable train ride I've been on. The trains are brand new, and you barely feel them move. No more gaps between the cars, no more shaking overhead luggage racks- these trains are state-of-the art. The cafe car has a decent menu, and your seats are going to be very comfortable. Also, you can expect a better "crowd of travellers." Since the trains are reserved.. there won't be any standees like the Unreserved Acela Regionals. All I have to say is, until you try the AX, it's hard to imagine taking it. Amtrak like you've never seen it before!!
The only problems I know of is that one certain schedule from WAS to BOS is notoriously late. I can look up the exact train # if you are concerned about this. It's average lateness was only 19 mins behind schedule though. If you are travelling on the weekend, you'll probably get into BOS early, since those schedules are padded. The only problem that I've heard of has been issues with the doors and pantographs, but they are isolated incidents. Sometimes they do cancel an Acela run, due to equiptment issues, but that's a rare occurance.
Enjoy the trip!
dguruswamy Member # 1330
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The Acela Regional trains (some of which are reserved already) will all be reserved with the April schedule change. That will be a refreshing change with everyone guaranteed a seat!
quote:Originally posted by lakeshorelimited: Since the trains are reserved.. there won't be any standees like the Unreserved Acela Regionals.
Amtrak207 Member # 1307
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*gasp!* Nineteen minutes late! Is this still faster than flying? (check-ins included) In other words, their timekeeping is impeccable.
JAChooChoo Member # 723
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quote:Originally posted by richarddschivley: Members... On April 5, 2002, I am meeting my brother at Washington, Union Station, to take the Acela to Boston. We will be retuning to Washington, April 8, 2002.
Richard, you didn't specify if you are riding the Acela Express (the "New" trainsets) or Regional (standard Amfleet).
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