I am orginally from IL and now live in Nevada, I take the california zephyr home every summer to see my family. In 2002 and 2003 there was a lil smoking area on the lower level even though amtrak on the phone told me there was not. I am worried now because on the net I have found amtrak saying that spot is gone and the train is totally smoke free now but on another website I found conflicting information with that. Has anyone been on the train since late april? is there still a lil smoking area? I know its bad to smoke, I realize this, But it is a very very long train trip and it is emotional going home anyways. And the long times your stuck sitting still and the train not moving in colorado although gorgous is really a nice to go have a lil cig break during. I just want to know what to be prepared for.
Posted by F59PHI2014 (Member # 3076) on :
Hi,
I think it was the end of last month, (but im not positive) amtrak did away with somking on all of its trains. The on board crew will inform you of "fresh air stops" along the route, where you will be able to get off and have a cig or two. Just be sure to stay close to the train, so as soon as the conductor calls all aboard, you will be able to get back on the train. hope that helps.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Really no more smoking on Amtrak? What are the Coach Smoking Superliners for? I hate smoking but I'm surprised Amtrak would completely do away with it since they invested in the Coach Smokers.
Maybe there is currently a shortage of them, which could be a possibility as they, and the transition dorms, always seem to be damaged in derailments.
Posted by TheBriz09 (Member # 3166) on :
I think that officially, the no smoking policy took effect with the April schedule change. I think now the only Superliner train with smoking allowed is the Auto Train. Single-level smoker lounges will continue to be used on the Silver Service trains and the Crescent.
I have no idea what they will use the remaining smoker lounges for.
The smell of smoke found its way to the upper level. I imagine there were many complaints. I always had to be sure to avoid being assigned that car even for short 5 or 6 hour trips as the smell was annoying.
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
All trains are non-smoking except for the auto-train.
------------------ --Anton L. pillsbury09@excite.com AIM: pillsburyMN
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Very interesting. Maybe the smoking section in the Coach Smokers will be turned back into the luggage section, as they were Coach Baggages. Most likely the smoking section will just be used as a lounge area.
I used to notice that not only would the smoke smell spread throughtout the smoking car but it also would find it's way into the Lounge car as, on the Southwest Chief anyway, the Coach Smoking was always the closest coach to the Lounge.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Or better yet, how 'bout converting them to kid's rooms like they have on the Starlight?
Posted by royaltrain (Member # 622) on :
On page 127 of the latest Amtrak timetable effective 26 April, 2004, it states "All Amtrak trains and Thruway Buses are entirely non-smoking, with the exception of Auto Train, Crescent, Silver Star and Silver Meteor." This notice goes on to say that where smoking is allowed, it is only permitted in a separate enclosed smoking room.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
All of those Coach smokers casrs should be converted to lower level coach seating as soon as poaaible as Amtrak needs all the revenue it can carry.
Chris
PS That smell not only went into other places on the train but into any luggage that was placed in that car. Talk about second hand smoke!
Posted by JONATHON (Member # 2899) on :
Its realy anoying when your seat is rite above the smoking lounge and every curve the smoking lounge door slides back open.. See why Below...
------------------ JONATHON D. ORTIZ
Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
I just returned from a trip on both the Southwest Chief and Lakeshore Limited. Frequent announcements were made on both about Amtrak's new Non-Smoking Policy. In one case it was noted that non compliance could result in removal from train at next stop. Whenever possible (scheduled stops of several minutes)the attendants allowed smokers to get off long enough for a quick smoke.
