Way, back last autumn we planned and purhased a trip from Boston to Seattle, with southern California, and New Orleans thrown in. We loathe traveling on the BOS/ALB segment of the LSL, when it was a through sleeper and with the cross platform cha cha at ALB. Since our first experience we've traveled west through WAS. For this trip unfortunately we opted to take Acela to NYP and then the LSL up the Hudson and on to CHI. I say unfortunately, because our trip start date was June 14th. We've wondered on this and other fora what actions Amtrak would take to protect those of us who had long standing, and paid for reservations between Boston and New York in light of the three day shut down of service between Boston and New Haven.
The answer is NOTHING!
While in Boston on personal business yesterday I went to South Station to pick up the tickets. It was at that time, that I learned from Stephen Brenna, District Manager for Amtrak that we were on our own.
He suggested we find a bus running to Albany and then make a reservation on the Empire Service to NYP.
I've looked in to busses from Boston to Albany with a connection to the Empire Service and to busses to New Haven with a connection to NEC service. Both options are unacceptable.
So with over $4k tied up in all "first class service" I'm getting close to cancelling the whole itinerary.
So, when you folks complain about bus-tituion, remember it could be...and for us it is...worse.
Less than Best regards, Rodger
Posted by amtraxmaniac (Member # 2251) on :
Nobody will dispute that Rodger. I hate to use the dreaded 'F' word, but is flying into Albany or NYP an option?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Rodger, regular service is being operated June 13. Absent superstitions regarding commencing a journey on "Friday the 13th", why not arrange to leave that day and throw in an extra overnight in New York, or even here in Chicago?
Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
I know you state you hate the Boston to Albany part of the trip ----- however -------- it is the simple answer to this problem --- get a refund on the Boston to NY to Albany portion of the trip. Then book a Boston to Albany ticket. You will meet the LSL on time - it is actually cheaper (I know you will miss part of the Hudson river scenery and the Acela experience) but why on earth cancel an entire trip over this.
Dee
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I just looked at the website and realized these are the days Amtrak is cancelling service between Boston & New Haven & curtailing New Haven to NYC in order to redo that Groton Bridge.
But Amtrak IS providing al alternative: Boston to Springfield on the LSL route and then a Regional from Springfield to New Haven and NYC from there. I am not sure if passengers have to change trains in Springfield, but of course if you go this way, I think Dee's suggestion is the best idea.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Actually there will be substitute service during the shutdown. Amtrak has scheduled one through train in each direction New York-Boston over the B&A Inland Route during the upcoming East End shutdown next month.
WB 1135 will leave BOS 1140A and arrive NYP 645P; EB 1188 NYP 3P arrive BOS 945P. Both trains operate Sunday Jun 15 and Monday Jun 16.
Essentially over the B&A, the trains will be replace the Lake Shore, which will be "bus-tee-toot" 3448-3449. However passenger inconvenience is being addressed in that there will of course be no change of trains at Springfield.
The trains are now available to book at the website.
Posted by HillsideStation (Member # 6386) on :
CODA: After due deliberation and careful consideration of all possible options we have decided to make the cross platform cha-cha-cha connection from train #449 to train #49 at ALB.
Best regards, Rodger
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Great, Rodger. Did you know the train line was designed by Whistler's Father? I think it's pretty esp from just around Springfield west, though nicest before the trees leaf in, when water views are more available.
If you do have to go upstairs in Albany-Rensselaer station to wait for your main LSL from NYP, I recommend waiting in the area that stretches over the tracks near the top of the escalators and elevator, if there is seating available there; more to see there than in the main part of the station. The windows on the other side of the elevator offer a fine view of downtown Albany including the gorgeous gothicky one-time D&H terminal (which you can also see on the left side facing forward as you cross the Hudson just after the LSL departs the station).
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Actually, Ms. Sojourner, the Gothic structure you note was the Delaware & Hudson's General Offices building. Their passenger trains used the Albany Union Station immediately to the South since most of their trains were interchenged with the NYC. That structure still stands as well.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Thanks for the correction, Mr Norman! Funny how all this time, whenever I heard or read about that D&H RR Building I jumped to the wrong conclusion!!! I even have read William Kennedy's book Old Albany etc etc . . . Well but of course because I never pay attention to how the rail lines work and so on, it makes me ignorant of the real facts. I do apologize. I did wonder why the old Union Station (now a bank, isn't it?) was also there, Albany didn't seem a two-terminal town, but for some reason I thought each line used a different building like in NYC, Grand Central vs Penn . . .
Anyway, D&H building is now owned by SUNY and I think restored . . . one could probably go in and check it out on a weekday . . . maybe one day I will!