We now know the start up dates. Planning must have been the last few weeks ? Seems like CHI is getting the first start ups + the coast starlight. Wonder why the emphasis on the west of Mississippi trains first. Can understand the Silver service last but Palmetto and Crescent ?
Now what will be consists of the trains has not been announced yet. Diners ( + service ) and lounges are definitely a question mark. Conservative present vaccination rates of 2 million per day that means there should be ~ 200M fully vaccinated and another 60M first shot adults at start of full service. The question becomes how many persons will feel commfortable traveling on Amtrak ?
FROM NARP (RPA)
May 24
May 31
June 7
California Zephyr (Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco)
Capitol Limited (Washington DC – Pittsburgh – Cleveland – Chicago)
For me, the return of daily service on the Lake Shore Limited on May 31st means that in October I can spend one extra day in NYC without having to buy two extra hotel room nights. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a big and welcome help.
I’ve re-booked my ticket and I’m grateful to this forum for cluing me in to this important change in Amtrak LD scheduling.
“IF” the current vaccination schedule is able to maintain its pace and “IF” a variant that can ignore vaccinations does not appear and "IF"there are not too many anti vaxers == then = Biden’s July 4 th prediction might mean heavy traffic on all Amtrak trains ?
I wonder if Amtrak will increase the capacity percentage upon resumption of daily service for the long-distance trains or if they will continue to operate at 50 percent of capacity?
JPS1: Absolutely a question to be answered. Then also we have to wonder what the consists of the trains will be. Will it be all the equipment or maybe even more coaches and sleepers ? Amtrak has not indicated if all the present desiginated active equipment is revenue ready. No breakdown on what employees were furloughed and how many maintenance person were furloughed. Then Amtrak will have to worry about how many persons will not return to work for what ever reason ?
EDIT: Your question ight depend on if Amtrak will require a vaccination certificate some time later in the summer. I would hope all airliines require that as well. We really have to worry about the P-1 variant that is causing Brazil to have more cases than the USA right now.
The Texas Eagle consists of a transition sleeper, regular sleeper, a dining/lounge car, and two coaches.
According to the Austin station agent, who I have gotten to know reasonably well, the Sightseer Lounge Car will be added back to the train upon resumption of the daily schedule. Also, a third coach could be added if traffic warrants it.