I think adding business class to overnight trains is another of AMTRAK's current policy to downgrade or eliminate first class service in an effort to reduce costs. With the Boaradman administration, it has been a relentless effort to reduce costs and amenities associated with the Long Distance trains. The elimination of the dining car on the Silver Star is one example.
CSSHEGEWISCH I don't know about anybody else but it definitely looks to me like somebody is trying to reinvent the Slumbercoach.
I don't know about anybody else but it definitely looks to me like somebody is trying to reinvent the Slumbercoach.
They are not trying to reinvent the slumber coach, but rather the pullman section.
Johnny, I to traveled on AQmtrak slumbercoaches. Took one of my milage building trips from Chicago to NYC, to Philly, to & from Atlantic City, thence to Miami. Chicago to NYC and Philly to Miami were booked in slumbercoaches but when I boarded in Philly, the SC was replaced by a 10-6 car and I had a full roomette for that portion of the trip. Using the All Aboard America fare, for three zones, I continued from Miami to LA, to San Jose, layed over in San Jose, thence to Porland and on to home in Chicago. Miami to Chicago was Superliners. Can't repeat that now as Amtrak doesn't go to A.C. nor does the Sunset come East of N.O. The slumbercoach sure beats sleeping in a coach seat.
Looking at the slumbercoaches, both the originals and those built for the NYC:
Since each room had one or two berths, there was bedding--mattress(es), sheets, pillow(s) pillowcases(s), and blanket(s) in each room.
Since each room had a washbasin and toilet, the necessary appurtances (soap, washcloth(s), and towel(s) were also in each room. The berths were narrower than roomette/bedroom berths, and were definitely for one adult each.
I had opportunity (and took it) to travel in both the original and the NYC versions. My first trip was from Chicago to Washington on the B&O in 1968; my last trip was from the Peachtree Station to Trenton in an NYC version in 1984.
Johnny
BTW, I am going to start a new thread on Amtrak Wi-Fi as this gives me some more ideas.
I have never been in a slumbercoach but there is a Youtube tour of one on Amtrak.
Slumbercoach is not just a seat, pretty sure there is bedding, towels, individual plumbing and thermostat controls as well as it being boxed off compartment wise. Quite a difference in maintence and operating costs. If you keep the towels and soap all at the shower or via individual shaving kits you save costs right there vs having them spread through the car at each seat. Also properly engineered seats that lie flat can be sold as regular coach if you have the option of locking out the lie flat ability and foot recliner via touch screen in the vestibule. So also potential for dual use marketing wise unlike a slumbercoach. Again, we are not talking huge costs here to retro-fit a Superliner Coach. Replacing some or all of the seats and a controller in the vestibule which potentially can be wireless if the car has wi-fi.
Anyone remember the DayNighter seats VIA had?
They are in use on trains in Australia
https://www.google.com/search?q=day+nighter+seat&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiKgIus19rLAhXHSSYKHWssBQ4Q7AkIQQ#imgrc=ZGFVxWIYC31ZwM%3A.
Pullman sections were a cheaper alternative to compartment sleepers, and even had a heavy curtain. Nevertheless, they were not popular.
Have been hoping that someone in the know could answer a few questions.
1. What type car is the Crescent going to use ? Is to be a modified lounge or a separate car. ?
2. What will be the placement of business class in the train ? If it is a separate car will the diner be between it and the lounge car ?
3. The Heritage diners are not equipped for wi-fi pass thru there by reducing the effectiveness of reception until the V-2 diners are in service. That is one reason LD single level trains have wi-fi problems for the sleeper passengers.
4. Advanced bookings. A quick look appears to indicate more south bound booking than north bound at first. Does this mean that NEC previous Amtrak passengers are more aware of business class ? Or has Amtrak marketing just been directed to the NEC area ?
5. Will persons who book online or by phone be made aware of business class ? The web site still is lacking.
6. What is the seating pitch and is it 2x2 or 2x1 seating ?
CMStPnP I would bet it would cost less for the one overnight trains to have a business class custom lie flat or lie almost flat seats that it does to add a compartment sleeper to the train. Using that approach Amtrak could free up more sleepers for the trains that take two nights to complete a journey in which the compartment sleepers make more sense.
I would bet it would cost less for the one overnight trains to have a business class custom lie flat or lie almost flat seats that it does to add a compartment sleeper to the train. Using that approach Amtrak could free up more sleepers for the trains that take two nights to complete a journey in which the compartment sleepers make more sense.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Or even something a bit less elaborate than shown in the pictures. Maybe a form fitting seat that reclines 60 per cent and a partial divider between the seats.
Rio Grande Valley, CFI,CFII
JPS1Most of Amtrak's long distance passengers, even on the western trains, are only on the train for one night. If the seats in business class were made as comfortable as those on the airlines overseas flights, and the price spread remains as wide as it is for the Crescent, many of the first class passengers might opt for business class on the long distance trains. If the Crescent experiment is successful - it appears Amtrak is testing the concept for wider use on the long distance trains, it could spread to other trains. If enough people opt for business class as opposed to the pricier rooms, could it portend the death of the private room sleeping car?
Something like this?
The price of an economy room on the Crescent on May 11th is $334. A business class seat is $175.
Will business class bring in new customers or draw from the coach and first class passengers? Probably a combination!
Most of Amtrak's long distance passengers, even on the western trains, are only on the train for one night. If the seats in business class were made as comfortable as those on the airlines overseas flights, and the price spread remains as wide as it is for the Crescent, many of the first class passengers might opt for business class on the long distance trains.
If the Crescent experiment is successful - it appears Amtrak is testing the concept for wider use on the long distance trains, it could spread to other trains. If enough people opt for business class as opposed to the pricier rooms, could it portend the death of the private room sleeping car?
I think that offering falls short....
They should also include alcholic beverages, pre-boarding, and upgraded reclining seats with a recharging station for cell and laptop in my opinion.
Apparently the Crescent is getting business class
Amtrak will offer Business class service aboard the Crescent beginning April 1, and passengers can begin making reservations for this new service on March 14.
Crescent Business class passengers can enjoy the following amenities:
For fares and reservation information, visit Amtrak.com, use our free mobile apps or call at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Thank you for choosing Amtrak.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.