Coaches used to be called "day coaches". Sleeping cars are called sleeping cars. By implication, coaches are for those traveling short distances, or traveling on a budget. If you're traveling a long distance and need to shower on the way, maybe you should consider a sleeper instead. If you can't afford the sleeper, maybe Amtrak can't afford to give you a shower. After all, their main function is to transport you. They do provide washing facilities in ther stations and aboard the trains. Do airlines provide showers for travelers on long (intercontinental) trips? Should they?
Tom
Maybe just stop by at the car washer rack and hose yourself down?
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
It's been a while since my last Amtrak LD trip, but IIRC the spacious downstairs Superliner bathroom is a good place for coach passengers to freshen up.
Take along a washcloth, hand towel and soap in a small plastic bag inside your luggage alongside spare shirts and underwear. Just have to be organized!
I don't remember, but I don't think it's possible to sneak into the shared roomette shower - might get you booted off the train ....
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There still are public baths in the larger cities. (If that is what you want to call them.)
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In my USA and Canada train travel days, roomette and bedroom passengers did not have access to a showere. So, on multi-night long distance trips, coach or sleeper or even private car if there were more than few in a party, I forgo showering, and simply scrubbed myself down with towels, paper towels if nothing better was available, and in Amtrak startup days, this often meant remembering to bring a supply with me. I was happy if hot water and soap were available! On a multi-night El Capitan trip (bfore Amtrak) I got up at 3AM to use the restroom without being ogled with this process.
In the Spring and Summer of 1952, one could rent a shower at Chicgo Union. Is this still available? What about LA Union?
In the USA all the bigger truck stops have pay showers. Maybe a similar set up.
solarIused to recomend baby wipes to freshen up with. I have found a new product, ekko wipes, these are larger, and seem stronger, and are reusable. It sure would be handy to have showers in at least Chicago, for those transferring form train to train.
It sure would be handy to have showers in at least Chicago, for those transferring form train to train.
DragomanSome sort of "day spa" with showers, etc., might make sense at key high-volume stations. A number of major airports have such services, and most air passengers aren't "on the road" as long as many rail travelers! It is coach passengers, who do not have access to the train's showers, who may need it the most. Or maybe coach passengers could pay a fee for access to the sleeper showers?
A Spa car with pay showers,Turkesh Steam Room ,NordicSauna,barbers and a Asian Massuse and nail salon! Sorta like the New York Central Barber Cars
Iused to recomend baby wipes to freshen up with. I have found a new product, ekko wipes, these are larger, and seem stronger, and are reusable.
Fred, I agree with you that it can be adventure--I have done so three times this week, and expect to do it twice more week after next.
Also, taking a shower in a roll-in shower can also be something of an adventure; try as I might, I have difficulty keeping from wetting the entire floor of the room; I prefer being able to get into a tub and hold on to something there.
My wife refused to take a shower on board.
The community showers for roomette pasengers and in VIA's sleepers are superior to the bedroom annex showers.
Johnny
Deodorant AND a change of shirts cover a multitude of sins (and missed showers). I must say -- and I'm an old guy myself who tries to be doubly careful -- there's a tendency among oldsters to think yesterday's, or last week's, shirt is good enough.
No so! We may sweat less as we age, but the little we do still adds up.
Also: That undershirt is subject to the same rules!
I've never showered on Amtrak, partly out of laziness but also because my longer trips are always punctuated with stopovers that give me the opportunity to shower less adventuresomely in hotels.
Considering that the people who travel overnightand use the Metropolitan Lounges already have access to showers on board, why should Amtrak considere adding showers to the amenities offered on the lounges?
My first choice is the YMCA and my Y membership is good at any other Y for a small fee. I travel to and from small citys like Toledo, Flint MI, Erie PA and Dubuque IA. Big Citys are Philly and Boston. Now I noticed a number of Ys have left downtowns for the burbs. In NY City the Y was a nightmare but that was 15 years ago. The Mayflower had day rates for 50-60 bucks. I have noticed that perhaps LA Fitness now has some downtown locations. Seems Amtrak has left this out of the equasion and should have pay showers at their Metropoliton Lounges. Come on 4-5 days without a shower may have worked when i was a young hippy but now I am getting that old people smell
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