posted
I am a teacher in Central Ca that is being sent to a technical training class in Grand Rapids Michigan that is being held August 4th through the 8th. I had origionally planned to drive (I do not fly) but the school district decided that was too expensive (hotel costs) and has put together a train trip for me. My trip consists of this:
Leave Fresno(FNO) via 712 San Joaquin 712YDOK Aug 1 11:35 AM Arrive Bakersfield(BFD) 1:46 PM
Leave Bakersfield(BFD) via AMTRAK/BUS 5812T OK Aug 1 1:55 PM Arrive Los Angeles(LAX) 4:15 PM
Leave Los Angeles(LAX)via AMTRAK 4EAOK CAR 0430 Southwest Chief #4 Aug 1 6:45 PM Arrive Chicago(CHI) Aug 3 3:20 PM
Leave Chicago(CHI)via AMTRAK 370YBOK 370 Pere Marquette Aug 3 5:20 PM Arrive Grand Rapids(GRR) Aug 3 10:20 PM
Trip Home
Leave Grand Rapids(Grr)via AMTRAK 371YDOK 371 Pere Marquette Aug 9 7:35 AM Arrive Chicago(CHI) Aug 9 10:30 AM
Leave Chicago(CHI)via AMTRAK 3ESOK CAR 0340 Southwest Chief #3 Aug 9 3:15 PM Arrive Los Angeles(LAX) Aug 11 8:15 AM
Leave Los Angeles(LAX) via AMTRAK/BUS 5815T OK Aug 11 10:45 AM Arrive Bakersfield(BFD) 1:20 PM
Leave Bakersfield(BFD) via 715 San Joaquin 715YDOK Aug 11 1:20 PM Arrive Fresno(FNO) 1:46 PM
Now for the newby questions. 1.) The seminar starts at 8:30 AM on the August 4. Can I expect to get any rest at all on that with my expected arrival time of 10:20 PM in Grand Rapids. I have seen stories of trains arriving up to 17 hrs late.
2.) Will my baggage be moved from the San Joaquin to the bus, to the Southwest Chief, and then to the Pere Marquette for me, or will I need to check the baggage on each new train/bus?
3.) Is there Wifi hot spots anywhere along the trip, or will I be without internet access while travelling?
4.) I am booked on a Superliner Roomette while going and coming on the Southwest Chief. How much should I expect to trip on that route, how is the food, and are the roomettes clean?
5.) Are the Train Stations safe? I have a 2 1/2 hor layover in LA going and a 5 hr layover in Chicago coming back. Is there anything to do at the stations for that amount of time?
6.) Will the flooding damage be repaired by then. I hate buses almost as much as I hate planes, lol. Is there a different route that I should look into to avoid a bud ride through the flooded area?
Thanks for your help and any other advice/tips would be much appreciated.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
You should get some interesting answers on this one. I can put in my two cents on a few of them:
Question 1:
Your train could be on-time, or it could be very late. There is no guarantee either way. If you'd like to see the on-time performance history of any train, there are a few options. Your first option is to go here:
Another option is to go to Amtrak's web page, and look at the bottom of the page where it says, "Historical On-Time Performance".
These two resources should give you a ROUGH idea of how each train will do on your trip. But of course, anything can and does happen. There is no crystal ball to answer this one.
Question 3:
No, there are no WiFi hotspots on your trains. There are also no WiFi hotspots anywhere in Los Angeles Union Station (if you can believe that!). There are two inside of Chicago Union Station. One of them is in the Metropolitan Lounge (which is free for sleeper passengers). Sometimes it works, but most of the time it does not work. Welcome to Amtrak.
Your other Chicago option is to go up to the Food Court. There is a bar there (I forget the name), but they will "rent' WiFi time to you by the half hour. What I used to do before I got a Verizon Wireless card for my laptop (since Amtrak's WiFi rarely works) is go upstairs to the bar and rent some time, and then go back down to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge. The bar is located on the floor directly above the Metro Lounge---and their WiFi signal works in there. Note: The signal only works in the front area of the Metro Lounge (near the beverage machines)---it will not work in the back area of the Metro Lounge.
Other than that, there are no other WiFi areas on Amtrak. They are still stuck in the 1970's with technology. When they are given new technology, they usually break it or say "I wasn't trained on how to work it".
Question 4:
Roomettes are not very clean. Let me clarify.....there is no garbage on the floor and the windows are usually fairly clean. The sheets on the beds are usually clean (but ALWAYS check first as many Amtrak sleeping car attendants don't bother changing the sheets from the last passenger!!!). But since you really want to know, the pillows and the thin prison-style mattresses that they use are disgusting. Don't dare peak under the sheet or pillowcase, because you will NOT like what you see. It's disgusting. Also bring moist towelettes and/or alcohol wipes if you are a neat freak. The armrests and anything you put your hands on are RARELY (if ever) cleaned. If you pull out the tray table in your room, you will need to wipe it off first because there will be spilled coffee, spilled soda, and other sticky messes on it.
The food is so-so. Definitely not great. They will probably run out of whatever it is you order, so when you look at the menu, just make sure you have a "Choice A" and a "Choice B". It might not hurt to have a "Choice C" in mind also.
Question 5:
Los Angeles and Chicago Union Stations are quite safe from my experience. There is absolutely NOTHING to do INSIDE of Los Angeles---nada. However, you can walk across the street to check out the neat area called Olvera Street. Mexican restaurants, open markets, etc....Depending on how much time you have, you could catch the Red Line (subway) which is located downstairs at either end of the station. You could go out to Hollyweird or Universal City and walk around, then come back. It all depends on how much time you have.
In Chicago, walk across the street to the Sears Tower and go up for a nice view of Chicago! I've done it a few times, and it's a neat thing to do.
dilly Member # 1427
posted
It seems odd that your employer is willing to fork over the cash for four nights in an Amtrak roomette, but is unwilling to pay for a couple of nights at a Motel 6.
At any rate, since you absolutely have to be in Grand Rapids on August 4th, the only potential sticking point will be your Southwest Chief-to-Pere Marquette connection in Chicago. At best, you'll have only a two hour window between trains. If the Southwest Chief arrives later (which is always possible), you'll miss the Pere Marquette, the only train to Grand Rapids that day.
True, Amtrak will sometimes pull a passenger off an extremely late train, in mid-route, and put them on a bus so that they can make their connection. But this isn't always practical or possible.
If you miss your connection, Amtrak would normally put you up at a Chicago hotel, and book you onto the next day's train. Since this obviously won't fit into your schedule, they'll either treat you to a bus ride from Chicago to Grand Rapids (provided Greyhound or Trailways still has a remaining departure that night) or you'll find yourself renting a car for an equally long drive.
That's not to say the worst will happen, but it pays to be prepared.
Apart from that (considering it's your first rail journey), you've got a pretty impressive itinerary. Unless you have extremely high-end tastes and expectations, you won't find the accommodations and service anywhere near as vile as the previous poster made them sound -- not on Amtrak's west-of-Chicago trains anyway. They're simply no-frills (and trust me, the mattresses, pillows, bedspreads, and blankets at the Four Seasons ain't exactly pristine either).
Just don't forget to look out the window. Take it all in. That's what traveling across America by train is all about.
-----------------
amtraxmaniac Member # 2251
posted
Both LA Union Station and Chicago are very safe. I second Smitty on nothing to do at LA Union Station...including WiFi. Olvera Street is nice. In terms of the Pere Marquette...my bet would be taht that is a corrodor train, hence timekeeping shouldn't be bad. The Southwest Chief has one of the BETTER on time percentages of the Long Distance trains.
Can't speak about roomettes...
Food: depends on your tolerance level. I don't think the food in the Dining Car is worth it...but it is covered (as in paid for) with your Sleeping Car accomodations. Don't be confused though...your DINING car meals are covered...I'm pretty sure you have to pay for your own Lounge Car (snack bar) purchases. If its just a dog or burger your in the mood for...its out of your pocket. I think the dining car meals are sort of hit and miss.
I think you have to transfer your bags between the trains and busses...but not between trains in Chicago....but double check.
Chicago Union Station is in a better part of town than LA Union Station...at least in my opinion.
I'm pretty sure the trains should be running through by then, if they're not already.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
quote:Originally posted by dilly: Unless you have extremely high-end tastes and expectations, you won't find the accommodations and service anywhere near as vile as the previous poster made them sound -- not on Amtrak's west-of-Chicago trains anyway. They're simply no-frills (and trust me, the mattresses, pillows, bedspreads, and blankets at the Four Seasons ain't exactly pristine either). -----------------
I wasn't trying to describe them as vile. I was trying to give an honest assessment of what I see as a passenger who has been riding Amtrak's long-distance trains for 28 years. I don't really want to list specific examples of each item I talked about (which I have encountered on Amtrak in the last few weeks), but I think it's a fairly accurate description. I've stayed at Four Seasons, Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, and even Hampton Inn's and Holiday Inn Express hotels, and I can honestly say that none of them have even come close to the filth I have found on Amtrak lately. None of my hotel rooms have had duct tape on the toilet. None of my hotel rooms have had soda spray and other sticky goo all over the table, and so on......
I'm not an Amtrak apologist any more. I will call it as I see it. If things are great, then I will say it's great. But I won't beat around the bush either. We deserve BETTER than what Amtrak is providing. Especially for the premium fare in the sleepers.
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
WOW - Sounds like it is a big crapshoot. Will definately bring towlettes and cleaning materials for the roomette. I do like clean hotel rooms, not necessarily luxurious, but definately clean.
I did notice that I was in room 20 coming back on the Southwest Chief. I didn't know they had 20 rooms in the Superliner?
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Room 20 is in the transition car. If you're not sure what that is, the transition car is located in-between the baggage car and the other sleeping cars. It's called "transition" because at one end of the car there are stairs that go down to a door, and that door leads to the baggage car. This way, Amtrak crew members have access to the baggage car while the train is moving.
The transition car room that you will be in is identical to the Roomette you would have in a regular sleeper---there is no difference at all. The layout of the car is a little bit different, but the room itself is the same.
notelvis Member # 3071
posted
One thing that has not yet been touched on is that the Pere Marquette does not have checked baggage so you will have to claim what you check in Chicago and carry it yourself aboard the train for your last hop. It will be the same in reverse......
You likely won't have a chance to sightsee in Chicago on your way out BUT on return you could work in the Sears Tower. Because you will be in the sleeper departing Chicago you will be welcome in the Metropolitan Lounge. The lounge has a secure and attended room where you can store your luggage until the Southwest Chief is ready for boarding.
I can't speak to luggage handling on the California Thruway buses having never ridden them before......but I'm pretty sure that you will not have checked baggage on the San Joaquin trains either. You likely are looking at carrying your luggage from car to train to bus to baggge check at LAX. I'd try to do it with a max of only two pieces of luggage.
Personally, I'd be thrilled if my school system would send me to a conference which required such an interesting Amtrak itinerary to reach it!
Lucky Dog, you!
train lady Member # 3920
posted
Smitty I am sorry to hear that you have had such miserable experiences on Amtrak. I have been riding since it first started and never once had a sanitation problem. Everything has been very clean and the sheets and pilllow cases were crisp and ironed.Maybe it is just luck. I would be interested in hering what others have to say.
ehbowen Member # 4317
posted
I echo train lady. While I have been in some sleepers which looked kind of "worn around the edges", I have never been in one which would qualify as "dirty" and I definitely have never encountered unwashed linens.
Please note that as you are traveling by sleeper both ways, you will be welcome in the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago both going and coming. Just save your ticket receipt to show the attendant upon arrival. Besides more comfortable chairs, complimentary snacks, bottled water and wi-fi, they will also store your carry-on luggage should you wish to explore the local area. I second the suggestion of the Sears Tower for your return layover.
While it is true that "anything can happen", such as an intoxicated driver racing your train to a crossing and losing resulting in a delay until the local constabulary has "investigated" the matter to their satisfaction, on the whole the train you are booked on has perhaps the best on-time performance record in the Amtrak system. And while some delays are always possible on the short-distance trains you will be taking from Fresno and to Grand Rapids the horror-story lateness is unlikely.
As checked baggage service is available in Fresno but not in Grand Rapids, upon arrival at the station in Fresno you may (and should) check your luggage straight on through to Chicago. Amtrak will handle the transfers in Bakersfield and Los Angeles. The same applies in reverse upon your return. However, as with the airlines, there is always a slight chance (happened to me once in 29 years of Amtrak travel) that baggage may be misdirected, so pack enough essentials in your carry-on so that the trip doesn't become a disaster if your bags end up traveling a bit more than you do.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
train lady,
I've had good experiences with Amtrak, but lately things just seem to be getting worse and worse. Just some small examples.....on a trip on June 10th (relaunch of the Coast Starlight), on June 11th before arriving into Seattle, the sleeping car attendant wanted to change the sheets before arrival into SEA (which is perfectly normal). I stood in the hallway while she changed the sheets. As she put the bottom sheet on, I noticed a rather large stain that looked like a blood stain, as well as some brown spots on the sheet. She ignored it and continued to make the bed. I told her that I couldn't believe she was actually going to make the bed with a sheet in that condition. Long story short, she was bothered that I pointed this out to her, and she took off the sheet and went down the hall to get another one. I am absolutely certain that had I not said anything, the next person in the Deluxe Bedroom who had paid over $1,000 to be there would not have been very pleased.
A friend rode the Texas Eagle a few weeks ago, and his mattress smelled like urine and poop. He had to be moved to another room.
On a trip last summer, a young boy urinated (accidentally) all over the bed. The attendant just aired it out in the room, and put it into service for the next customer.
I have lots of stories like this from over the years, but any more and it would probably a little too disgusting.
Has anyone actually taken a look at the mattresses? I mean really looked at them? They are absolutely disgusting.
I admit that I have been an Amtrak apologist for quite some time now. But I suppose I have reached my tipping point, and this unacceptable behavior is just that....unacceptable.
I have also been in touch with some mucky-mucks (high management) at Amtrak, and their response to some recent issues are appalling. Things such as, "Let's not concentrate on past missteps". What the hell does THAT mean??? There was also an issue last month where the dining car crew on train #6 (California Zephyr) did not serve breakfast upon departing Emeryville, California. It's sort of a long story behind this, but the bottom line is that they were supposed to be serving a complete meal, or at the least, a "boxed breakfast" similar to the Empire Builder (#28). However, the dining car crew did NOTHING until after 12PM on this trip. Two of them sat at a table in the dining car playing dominoes, and the other was deep into a novel. The boxed breakfast was not served---it was a stupid little continental breakfast in a plastic bag with a gold ribbon on it. Amtrak managers were NOT aware that this was happening. But to top it off, the excuses that they initially provided were among the most ridiculous reasons I had ever heard before. I won't list them here, but suffice it to say, I couldn't believe it.
I apologize if I sound a bit bitter, but that's only because I am.
ehbowen Member # 4317
posted
To answer some more of your specific questions:
4) Tipping: My own personal guideline is a minimum of $5 per room per night, or $10 each way for your trip, to the sleeper attendant. This presumes that he is reasonably attentive and professional at his duties and that you ask for no special services such as having meals served in your room or drinks fetched from the lounge car (yes, they usually will); for any such 'extras', tip extra.
While the dining car fare is not what it was even five years ago, it still beats the stuffings out of anything you would likely be offered on a plane and is comparable to the food offered by most "family restaurants." As a sleeping car passenger your meals (excepting appetizers and alcoholic beverages) are prepaid with your fare; you may order anything on the menu plus dessert. However, do note that gratuity is NOT included with your prepaid meal; while Amtrak dining car crews are MUCH better paid than their compatriots on non-moving restaurants a gratuity is still customary and appreciated. Just take note of the menu price of your selection and tip in cash as you would for the same meal in a restaurant.
Nothing I can tell you here will adequately prepare you for exactly how small the roomettes are, but if you picture a pair of phone booths back to back you will be in the ballpark. There are two facing seats by day which make up into the lower bed by night. There is a (very!) small closet or hanging space; it is not large enough for a garment bag but it is suitable to hang your daytime clothes in while you sleep (and hangers are provided). A small carry-on bag may fit under your seat; larger ones may be placed on the opposite, unoccupied seat, on the steps intended for the occupant of the upper bunk, or in the communal storage rack on the lower level of the car. There are reading lamps and each room has a single 120V outlet. Often these outlets are semi-recessed and may not accommodate laptop or cell-phone "power packs"; a short extension cord or power-strip is a wise addition to your carry-on luggage if you intend to use electronics on board. The rooms will lock from the inside at night but cannot be locked from the outside, so take care not to leave valuables unsecured.
5. The train stations in LA and Chicago are both quite safe at any time of day or night, although I would avoid the area to the south or east of the LA station—especially after dark. On your trip, if the Chief is early into your scheduled service stop at Albuquerque, other members here have highly recommended ice cream from the nearby Coldstone Creamery. (I know of them only by reputation—I have never yet traveled on the SW Chief.)
6. The Texas Eagle is the only route I am aware of which is unaffected by the midwest flooding; however its on-time performance is dismal compared with that of the Southwest Chief you are booked on and it takes another full day in transit. At the present time the Southwest Chief is expected to resume normal operation on July 1 and barring some new series of disasters should have resumed its usual good performance by the time of your trip. If I were you I wouldn't even consider switching.
George Harris Member # 2077
posted
If you have not, go to www.amtrakcalifornia.com and about half way down on the right side you will see Amtrak California Timetable. click on that. You can also go to www.amtrak.com and go to schedules and find Southwest Chief. On the other hand, a visit to the Fresno station could get you these things as well. The timetable on the amtrak California web site has a lot more information than the one produced for the same trains by Amtrak.
mgt Member # 5479
posted
Our experience is only from 2005 and covers only four long distance trains but I'll give our experiences for what they are worth. My wife is extremely fastidious and she has never had cause for complaint.The bedlinen on all four trains has been spotless and the attendants efficient, three out of the four much more than that. On the two night trains towels have been changed each day. All necessary supplies have been replenished when required. All surfaces, including fold down table, have been clean. I do not make a habit of inspecting the uncovered mattress or pillows, or look under the mattress, on Amtrak or in hotels, the bed-linen is there to 'protect' me, but no traveller is going to accept a bed or a room which smells or looks in any way unpleasant. I enjoy the diversity of opinion encountered on this forum and food provokes a great variety of comment. Much, I believe, is down to the traveller's expectations. Obviously today you will not be served food of the quality produced on the 1950s top trains. Did any of those trains ever make a profit? We came to Amtrak not knowing what to expect and , in 2005, on the Zephyr were pleasantly surprised. That was before Simplified Dining Service and some food was still cooked to order, such as steaks, and eggs at breakfast. Grits were available for thos who wanted them. Last year on the Lake Shore and Coast Starlight the food was more limited and I could imagine becomes monotonous for a frequent traveller, but the beef ragout and lamb shanks were still very good and pleasantly served. The food on the Empire Builder was excellent. And it appears from this year's timetable that Amtrak has reintroduced some the pre-SDS items. I have never known the dining-car run out of items in normal service, but I suppose it can happen as in many restaurants. Union Station in LA is well worth a good look, it is very impressive both from the outside and inside. It is at the very heart of the original LA with the church and the interesting Olvera Street in the immediate vicinity. I second what others have said about Union Station in Chicago. You are more or less in the centre of the city and short walks take you to Sears Tower, the main shopping area and the lake side/parks. Both stations are certainly safe. I envy you your trip!
Judy McFarland Member # 4435
posted
If your time in Chicago is marred by cloudy weather, skip the ride up the Sears tower & head east (right) along Adams street (north side of the station). At the end of the street (5-6 blocks) is the Art Institute. If you're not a museum person, head for the shopping areas north of Adams. If you're a train fan & would like to ride the el - look for a station stop (they are marked) and take a spin around the loop. If you go too far afield, flag down a ubiquitous cab & head back to the station. And while you're in the station, don't miss a side trip to the Great Hall - the old waiting room. A beautiful reminder of the glory days of train travel.
royaltrain Member # 622
posted
On all my many trips on Amtrak, I have never come across dirty sheets or linen, and the bedrooms have all been reasonably clean. Not up to the standards of a five-star hotel, but I have not had reason to complain.
Since you are new to train travel, I think it should be pointed out that on Superliners the so-called roomette is not really a roomette, it is just the term Amtrak came up with a few years ago to replace the previous terms of economy bedroom and standard bedroom, which were not really bedrooms either. A roomette has always meant a very small room with a single bed with sink and toilet. On Superliners the "roomette" is a very small room with an upper and lower berth with no toilet or sink. On the Viewliners (used in the East) the "roomette" does have a toilet and sink. In reality the superliner roomette is nothing more than a section with walls and a door.
Speaking of misleading terminology, Via Rail which runs trains with real roomettes tries to fool passengers into thinking they are receiving a bedroom and not a roomette when they are booked into what Via calls a "Single Bedroom." I can imagine what the uninformed passenger must think when he sees the ultra-tiny room that has been marketed as a "bedroom." Amtrak has no real roomettes and Via has so real single bedrooms. So much for truth in advertising.
MDRR Member # 2992
posted
FWIW, there is no checked baggage service on the Pere Marquette between Chi and Grr. You should be able to check it at your departure station (assuming ticket office at that location) thru to Chi but then have to carry on tr#370. The reverse then would be true, carry on #371 and then check thru to final destination upon arrival in Chi.
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
Thanks for all the help.
So in my carry on I should take a couple days of clothes. A surge protector or extension cord and my toothbush items and such.
Do the observation cars have electrical outlets so I can use a laptop there while having a view?
Again, any tips on places to watch for, see, try would be very much appresciated. Cold Stone Creamery is awesome. We have a couple in Fresno and they are very good.
Also, I have seen some people write logs of their journy. Is there a format for this?
Thanks again
Railroad Bill Member # 5097
posted
I can echo some of the more positive members' posts concerning cleanliness of the roomettes and train in general. We have had roomettes now on nine different Amtrak trains and I believe our sheets were clean, the floor swept, the pull down tables were not dirty, (although we still always use wipes and hand cleaner before eating).We had only one bad experience in the diner (on the CZ a year ago). The food is generally very good--sometimes not always warm enough-but not bad. The problem we have found on our last trip is that the menus varied little if at all and we became a bit bored eating same things for 8 days of our trips. Wish they would add some variety to each train the way it once was. It is unfortunate that Smitty has had such a negative experience on his trips. But I believe, as trainlady and others have said, that is not the general rule on most Amtrak trips.
train lady Member # 3920
posted
Pappy it is a very good idea to take a change of clothing with you along with necessary toilet articles, and a change of socks and underwear. If you spill or rip anything you are covered (no pun intended)I have never had a problem but if your checked luggge should be delayed you have clean clothes. As to a journal I imagine most people use their own method. I make notes a to meals,incidents, people I meet etc. you may want to focus on something else. I also like to note humorous things I see. Let your imagination run free
ehbowen Member # 4317
posted
quote:Originally posted by Pappy: Thanks for all the help.
So in my carry on I should take a couple days of clothes. A surge protector or extension cord and my toothbush items and such.
Do the observation cars have electrical outlets so I can use a laptop there while having a view?
I would add a small (travel size) bottle of shampoo to your carry-on as well; there is a community shower (with adjacent changing cubicle) on the lower level of your sleeping car. By the third day of your trip you will most likely want to use it, especially considering your short turnaround that night. Amtrak does provide towels, washcloths and soap but for shampoo (and conditioner, if you use it) you are on your own.
The good news: There is an electrical outlet in the lounge car. The bad news: There is ONE electrical outlet in the lounge car, and it is the only place for coach passengers to charge up their cell phones, iPods, DVD players, and etc. So you can expect that one outlet to be almost constantly busy. Plan on operating on battery while you are in the lounge car, and recharging in the privacy of your roomette.
ETA: As the "facilities" in your sleeping car are down the hall or downstairs, some form of night attire is recommended if you are at all prone to nocturnal "calls of nature". If you have any difficulty falling asleep in a moving vehicle, you may want to ask your doctor for a sleep aid.
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
Thanks everyone, will add a Robe and shampoo to the carry on list as well as extra clothes.
Mike Smith Member # 447
posted
On your return trip, go to the sleeper behind the Transition car if you want a shower. In the transition shower, your changing area is a small space right in front of the commode.
I normally sleep on top of the sheets and blanket, so I've never seen the actual mattress.
And the Texas Eagle has been delayed by the flooding, by 5 hours last Saturday/Sunday. We sat on a siding for 3+ hours just south of St Louis waiting on freight trains that were circumventing the flood waters.
CHATTER Member # 1185
posted
I would agree with train lady and those who echoed her sentiments.
George Harris Member # 2077
posted
quote:Originally posted by Mike Smith: And the Texas Eagle has been delayed by the flooding, by 5 hours last Saturday/Sunday. We sat on a siding for 3+ hours just south of St Louis waiting on freight trains that were circumventing the flood waters.
For those that don't know the why of this:
There are two ex-Missouri Pacific routes between St. Louis and Poplar Bluff, Missouri:
The route used by the Texas Eagle was the passenger route with only local freight. It is rather hilly and curvy with maximum 1.25% grades. It is about 162 miles long, and has never had a passenger train speed limit above 60 mph.
The freight out of St. Louis crossed back to the Illinois side, if it had ever entered Missouri at all, and went south down the east side of the River to Thebes, where it crossed the river. From this point it turned west to Poplar Bluff. This line was jointly used by the Missouri Pacific and Cotton Belt (St. Louis Southwestern). North of the bridge the line was owned by Missouri Pacific and south of the bridge by Cotton Belt. The bridge itself was jointly owned. All these lines have now been absorbed into the Borg (Union Pacific) This freight route is about 190 miles long, but has very low grades and fairly straight track, so that most has a 70 mph speed limit for freight trains. Much of this line is now double track and that which is not has frequent sidings.
Apparently parts of the freight route is underwater so the trains are being detoured onto the passenger route. Sidings on the passenger route are few and short.
Consequently they are probably fleeting the trains. Therefore you probably had to wait for a northbound parade. The TE was probably the lead or part of a southbound parade. If after finally getting under way, the trip to Poplar Bluff was covered in something like the schedule's elapsed time, you were probably leading the parade. If much slower, you were at some point back. The grades on the passenger line mean that freight trains will be moving slow for a good part of the trip. Plus, freight limit is 50 mph or less, I think 40 mph for a goodly part.
posted
I was fooling with the itinerary since I will be in Pismo Beach leading up to my trip. I was trying to put together a route from Grover Beach CA to Grand Rapids but I get an error when I try to do that. I can however book a train from Grover Beach to Los Angeles which will be at the station a good 5 hours before the #4 leaves for Chicago. Why won't the website show me that option when I try to book the route straight through from Grover Beach to Grand Rapids? I already have the tickets booked for the trip from Fresno to Grand Rapids. The positive side of that is that I dont have to be at the train station until 11 AM. The bad side is a 2:20 minute bus ride from Bakersfield to LA. The Grover Beach run would mean I would have to be at the station at 7:00 AM and would have a 5 hr layover at the LA station but I wouldn't have to ride a bus. Which route would you guys take and why?
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
posted
The bus ride Bakersfield to LA is not bad at all. I would prefer that route. But five hours in LA might be OK if you want to do some local sightseeing.
I just tried booking your route and was able to book the Grover Beach to Chicago part. But, when I tried to go all the way to Grand Rapids, it switched to the Texas Eagle instead of the Chief. I don't get it.
Help from the route experts?
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
If you are going to be in the area I don't think there is any question that you should do the Surfliner from Grover Beach. The route is certainly more scenic. You can easily fill the five hours in Los Angeles with things that have been mentioned here on other threads. Look for the one that is something like "Union Station--What's there?"
Frank in not quite as smoky SBA
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
Went ahead and made the change in departure from Fresno to Grover Beach. I actually was able to contact a very knowledgeable and professional amtrak agent on the phone who was able to change my tickets from Fresno to Grover Beach. Grover Beach doesn't have a station so I will have to lug my luggage with me on the train. Is it worth it to upgrade to Business class for another 17 dollars? I currently have an unreserved seat. Since Grover Beach is the first stop on this run (It starts in Paso Robles) do you think there will be a problem finding a spot in the viewing car and will having 2 bags and a backpack be a problem?
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
I sure wish there was an edit button for these posts so I can fix typos!!!!
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Pappy,
I find this web page to be a little too complex for my liking, but over time I have very slowly discovered what all of the cryptic icons do. You actually can edit your post---just click on the weird icon that looks like a piece of paper with a pencil on it. It's just to the left of the " " icon in your post.
As far as Biz Class, ABSOLUTELY YES!!!!!! No question about it in my book. Wait until you see how crowded the Surfliners are.
Rick Morris Member # 5347
posted
I absolutely agree with Smitty. You should fork over the extra dollars for Business Class. Not only will you get extra amenities, but you'll be guaranteed a seat. In coach on the Surfliner, the seats are not guaranteed. You may end up having to stand on the train for who knows how long.
Pappy Member # 9426
posted
Done deal, will be riding business class from Grover Beach to LAX. I was told however by an Amtrak agent that I can only bring two bags on the trip since the trains do not check bags in Grover Beach or from Chicago to Grand rapids. I also can only bring the smaller carry on size bags (28 X 24 X 14) instead of the regular travel bags (36 X 36 X 14). Makes it hard to travel for 12 days especially with suits with only two small bags.
train lady Member # 3920
posted
This is strange. When we go up to CT we have to get off in Bridgeport and have family meet us.There is no checked baggage so we drag ours along. We have never been told how many and what size we must use. I would definitely check with another agent. Maybe things have changed this year,
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
posted
Pappy - in terms of baggage on the Surfliner, the area for storage in your coach car is not very large and it is upstairs. That is why some limits are needed. However, a 28 x 24 x14 bag is quite large, in fact that is the largest I have.
My friend Sue and I just took the Surfliner from Los Angeles to Camarillo and back. We traveled at nonpeak times on a nonpeak day - Friday north at 12:30 pm and south at 8:00 pm. Many open seats, excellent timeliness. Also noted electrical outlets at every pair of seats both directions. We rode in the CAB car at the trailing end northbound, in a center car lower area southbound. Altogether a very pleasant trip.
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