One way to get HSR to pay for itself...

[John WR]

Of course this is all very hypothetical since there is no reason to believe Amtrak will run double decker cars at reduced fares.  

Of course WiFi and electric outlets would be a good idea.  But no one gets that on New Jersey Transit now and yet there Northeast Corridor trains run quite full.  The real reason is that a train, even a commuter train has bigger and more comfortable seats than a bus has.  (Except, of course, the older Comet cars with 5 across seating).  

And yes, Amtrak would have to come up with money to purchase the cars.  But certainly cars must be purchased from time to time anyway.  I don't expect it will happen but I don't see that it is impossible either.   

[MerrilyWeRollAlong]

I believe both Mega Bus and Bolt Bus offer outlets and WiFi on their buses so why would a bus rider switch to a more slightly more expense double decker rail car with less ammenities?  I would think the installation and the subsequent cost of electricity for the outlets is negligible considering the amount of eletricity being used by the AEM-7 to pull the train.

Overall it's not a bad idea for Amtrak but the train mentioned in the article is operating over an extensive passenger rail network that was built and funded by the French government. Amtrak can barely get enough funding to maintain let alone upgrade the Northeast Corridor or expand beyond it.

[John WR]

Don,  

That is an idea even I can agree with.  In fact Amtrak could do the French one better and simply add a second class bilevel car to its existing trains.  New Jersey Transit uses very comfortable bilevels now in there commuter service.  This is 4 across seating but the seats do not recline.  No outlet; no wi fi.  Baggage goes on an overhead rack or under your seat.  No services except ticket collect.  The cars are bright enough to read easily.  Seats do not recline. They would be more than acceptable for a New York to Boston trip.  

Amtrak charges $49 New York to Boston on April 17 (Northeast Regional; not Acela).

Bolt Bus charges $8 to $13 for the same trip (depending on time of travel).  

If Amtrak charged $24.50 for a second class (bilevel) seat New York to Boston I bet plenty of people would upgrade from bus to train.  And they could do this on any train line they run simply by adding one or more bilevel cars.  

[oltmannd]

From: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2013/02/24/in-france-a-truly-low-cost-high-speed-rail-option/

France has new super-low train fares for their HSR routes called OuiGo.

"OuiGo brings the aviation low-cost concept to high-speed railways. In exchange for a cheap ticket, customers will be charged for a second carry-on bag; they’ll pay more for the use of an electrical outlet; they’ll be unable to change their tickets without a fee. There will be fewer conductors — only four per train, who will also be tasked with some maintenance. Double-decker trains will seat 1,268 passengers, not because seats have been compressed (unlike the airlines, thank god), but rather because the first class and dining car spaces have been replaced by economy-class areas. Trains themselves will be scheduled to run more often than typical TGVs, traveling about 80,000 kilometers per month, double the normal rate."