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As mentioned in an earlier report, my trip on the Silver Meteor began in Richmond with a destination of Tampa. I had tried for a room on the Silver Star, but it was sold out when I made my reservation. That was confirmed by the conductor when I saw it in Richmond just after my Palmetto arrival. The conductor briskly told me 'we're sold out front to back'. So I had a nice dinner at a family run restaurant next door to the station. I did see Auto Train rumble through - 7 sleepers and with a sightseer lounge (rather than diner as lounge).
The train rolled into Staples Mill station on time and with a sold out train. According to the reservations agent I got the last roomette - and this was a train with three sleepers. Amtrak's new equipment can't come soon enough. According to Amtrak's performance reports for FY11 vs FY10, sleeper revenue on the Meteor is up 13%, second highest gain on the system, and just behind the Star.
On boarding, my attendant had already made up the bed. A quick visit to the lounge (not very full at 10pm) and I was almost asleep by the time we left Petersburg. A bright morning woke me as we ran through the famous piney woods of Georgia. And it was a good night's sleep. Track was noticeably smoother than in the past. Or maybe I was just tired.
The diner was one of those 90's rebuilds that had a lot of unattractive plastic. But it still doesn't get much better than that first cup of coffee on a sunny day as we sped into Florida. The breakfast quesadilla was quite good as was the company.
My roomette was in good shape. No rattles and squeaks during the night. All the velcro was in the right place and all lights worked. The one miss was the cranky coffee maker - so I used the one in the next car. My attendant was efficient but a bit abrupt. She reminded me of one of those tough gals with a heart of gold in the saloons of a western movie.
After a quick lunch, I arrived Orlando on time. Since I was not on the Star and my destination was Tampa, an Amtrak thruway bus ride was waiting for me. I was impressed. It left right on time and was an attractive bus, as buses go, with what seemed a professional and pleasant driver. We had about 35 passengers. A ride down I-4 to a quick stop in Lakeland (very nice newer station) and we were in Tampa in a couple hours. About half the passengers got off while the rest continued on to stops in St. Pete., Port Charlotte, Bradenton and Ft. Myers. Amtrak should do more of these low cost feeder connections (Charlotte to Columbia comes to mind).
Overall, a pleasant trip where everything worked. While still a long way from the days of the Florida Special, I'm thankful it's there.
HillsideStation Member # 6386
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I second the experience with the bus connection out of ORL. In both 2008 and 2009 I traveled BOS/ORL/SRA and return for a GeezerFest with some folks I worked with in the '70's. The four legs on the bus were clean, comfortable and timely. The drivers were polite, competent and professional. Best regards, Rodger
sojourner Member # 3134
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Good to know the bus worked well; I'd like to take it to Fort Myers some time.
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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Th bus doesn't go into Fort Myers proper. It stops at a gas station/fast food place next to I-75 several miles from downtown. I doubt there's even local bus service from there into town.
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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Palmland: Thanks for the great report. Glad your travels were enjoyable.
sojourner Member # 3134
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That's not good! I was hoping to get to Fort Myers, possibly stay a night or two, and then take that ferry to Key West some time. Could I get a taxi from there, do you think?
SilverStar092 Member # 2652
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I'm sure you could catch a taxi out there but the easiest thing might be to stay at one of the motels at that exit of I-75. You'll need to ask Amtrak where the bus stop is and check AAA or some other source for motels. Maybe the motel has a courtesy van into town. Check out the Seminole Gulf Dinner Train while in the area.
amtrak92 Member # 14343
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Who was your conductor on 97. If it was Y. Reed, I know her, she is really nice
Railroad Bob Member # 3508
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Were you awake (or did you know it) when your train went through the "Folkston Funnel?" I think all the Florida passenger trains run through there, right? It's WAY out of my home zone, though...
palmland Member # 4344
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Yes, RRBob, we went flying through Folkston as I was eating breakfast. You will enjoy your visit there - the town has made the best out of their limited resources.
AMT92- no idea of the conductor names. But they did seem quite professional.
Sojourner, I'm sure a taxi will get you into Ft. Myers. But have you checked out Tampa? Seems like a more interesting city. While Ybor City is touristy, it is still well worth a visit. Hard to beat the Columbia Restaurant. Even better was the local Central Bakery. It's much less touristy and a real melting pot of the city. Their Cuban bread is soooo good.
sojourner Member # 3134
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I was thinking about going to Fort Myers only for one night because I wanted to go to Key West by ferry. I believe that leaves from Fort Myers Beach area (and also someplace called Marco Island maybe). Anyway, not from Tampa.
I think if I do this I will come from Key West to Fort Myers, sounds like it would be easier doing it in that direction.
But I would love to go to Tampa some time, and also Captiva and Sanibel, though they are hard without a car. I have been to St Petersburg Beach btw (years ago)but only been through Tampa.
amtrak92 Member # 14343
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Sounds like a good trip. I wish I was on it. I bet it was Yvone, she is very good. She is really nice to me.
palmland Member # 4344
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Sojourner- I was able to walk around the Key West terminal for the ferry and check out their ship. It looks like a great way to get to Key West and we would have done so if not for our hectic schedule during my son's wedding there two years ago. Of course Key West is very walkable. Here is a link I saw on the ferry's website that might help with your plans. I'll bet their reservations agent can give you tips on nearby lodging too - Ft. Myers transportation
navybanker Member # 16430
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It is ridiculous for the bus to just stop at an exit ramp motel but that seems to be today's concept of "service". If the bus drops you anywhere near the airport, you might want to rent a car for local transport (essential to see Sanibel and Captiva) and not that expensive. The high speed ferry from Ft. Myers Beach to Key West is a good ride - about three hours - and you really do not need a car in Key West - you surley would not want to drive from Ft. Myers to Key West - probably seven or so boring hours.
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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I think Mr. Palmland's trip might show one of the faults of the planned Tampa to Orlando HSR line: lack of connection to the Amtrak network. In theory, Mr. Palmland should have been able to make a quick and easy connection from the Meteor to HSR for the final leg to Tampa, but the HSR plan didn't directly serve the Orlando Amtrak station, so travelers would need to find a local connection between Amtrak and HSR. With the added time for the local connection to HSR, the Ambus option would likely be just as fast for people traveling to Tampa from the Orlando Amtrak station.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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quote:Originally posted by navybanker: ..........you surely would not want to drive from Ft. Myers to Key West - probably seven or so boring hours.
"Ya gotta do it" - once.
Twice gets boring - especially from the West Coast where the ferry represents a time saving.
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