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Amtrak alters Pere Marquette schedule to improve on-time performance
Amtrak, though an internal
how about “through” instead of “though”
About time they actually did something instead of just issuing press releases blaming NS and CSX.
Downgrade of schedule and equipment. Not a good way to maintain the growth this train has experienced.
Replacing Superliner equipment with Horizon cars to avoid turning the consist in Grand Rapids may help solve the crew-hours problem, but what a disservice to passengers. Intercity buses are more comfortable than Horizon cars, but don’t let it come to that, either.
The three Superliner coaches used on trains 370/371 went into the long distance pool–sorely needed. New equipment to replace the Horizon’s can’t come soon enough, but it’s at least 3 years away.
Article fails to mention WHY the crews are not in Grand Rapids long enough for their rest period. (It worked in the past) Is is that the eastbound train has been running late? If so why? Slow orders…track work? How about an update to explain this better?
When Superliners substituted in real cold weather on the St. Louis to KC route, I heard at least one woman negatively describe them as weird cars with this narrow winding stairway you had to climb. She obviously was a complete newcomer to at least recent train travel, but that made the comment all the more insightful. I personally don’t like the low ceilings of Superliner rooms compared to Viewliner.
That time change for 370 will make it nearly impossible to catch it when coming in on the Empire Builder. Bad choice if you ask me.
That time change for 370 will make it nearly impossible to catch it when coming in on the Empire Builder. Bad choice if you ask me.
Some folks have no patience to endure a temporary inconvenience. The wait for the new bi-leve coaches will be worth it. Modeled after California’s Surfliners, I won’t be surprised to see a jump in ridership. They have just as good as a view as the Superliners, they load/unload passengers faster, are handicapped acessible, and have room to accomodate bicycles.