Did not think to check earlier but the Cascades trains between Seattle and Vancouver, BC today and tomorrow due to the USA's women's soccer game. are sold out. Know there are restrictions of train lengths and number of trains ( international politics ) but one has to wonder if superliner coaches could have been used instead of the Talgos to sell more seats. probably no SLs available.
If the USA plays more games in Vancouver maybe something could be arranged. Anyone know if the bus service SEA - VAC adds a bus when first one is booked full as none of the bus services show sold out ?
Gee, and just across the border in Vancouver they have extra passenger cars in reserve that Amtrak could borrow for corridor service if Amtrak had so previously arranged from one private company and one Canadian govermental agency. Makes you wonder about their management again.
The Superliner replacement trains are typically about 5-6 cars when the Talgos are out of service, so it is certainly possible to add cars, provided they and the locomotives are available. Schedules do have to be lengthened slightly, but it is workable. Amtrak was also able to borrow a bunch of Sounder BBD Bilevels in 2013 when the 1-5 bridge collapsed, so that is also a possibility, especially since Sounder is not using them for the US Open shuttle trains they planned on operating until they were cancelled a few months ago.
Well the women's final is in Vancouver this Sunday. Amtrak trains are already sold out SEA - VAC today, tomorrow, & Sundy morning as well as some of the Thruway buses.
Southbound the VAC - SEA trains are sold out Sunday night, Monday, and Tue morning. As well most buses are sold out. Anyone know if an extra bus is operated when first one sold out ?
You would think that idle Sounder train sets could have been acquired for running this weekend ? Surely customs could have made provisions ?
Sounder does not run on weekends, so presumably all their equipment would be available for extra trains, though a lack of qualified crews may be a substantial impediment. The main problem is that the customs agencies get grouchy with extra trains as they have to slow down auto traffic to check over the trains.
Northwest forgot who operates Sounder trains? Amtrak, BNSF, or someone else ? That might be a crew solution ?
I think BNSF does, but the North Line trains operate on the Scenic Sub, not the Bellingham Sub which runs to the border. I'm also not sure if their MP40PH-3Cs are able to run on the Bellingham Sub, but can't think of a reason why they wouldn't be.
Sold out or not
USA 5 - Japan 2
USA wins Womens World Cup
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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