@samuda100 They have so many Superliner cars in Chicago Yard. They could make another train from Chicago-Tampa. But people who ride City Of New Orleans can catch the train that goes from California-Tampa. it stops in New Orleans I believe.
@TalfinFilmz09 No trains currently travel between California and Tampa, or anywhere else in Florida. The Sunset Limited's eastbound terminus is New Orleans I believe that is why samuda100 suggested either Sunset Limited or City of New Orleans be extended to Florida.
You noted on the video that the train was late. First time I took Amtrak, the (Crecent from Anniston Al to Charlotte) it was five hours late. A trip from Charlotte to NYC on the Carolinian was an hour or so late. About the same time my girlfriend had a nightmare experiance with a major breakdown on the crecent south bound from NY. But the last few times I took the crecent this fall and winter it has been ontime to the minute. Any good reason for the improvement? Or have I just been lucky lately?
Amtrak just issued a release regarding the state of their long-distance trains (like the Crescent). On average, their on-time performance is up from 30% in 2006 to 75% in 2009. They've been analyzing route performance in an effort to improve the service, so it may not be all just "luck".
The improvement is nice, but "luck" is still a big factor, and will remain so as long as they are dependent on tracks owned by the freight railroads.
I am sure such an improvement is one big reason why getting a ticket at the lowest prices; or maybe even getting one at all, isn't the sure thing it used to be. One good thing about Amtrak is that you could book at the last minute without the huge spike in price as with the airlines. That is still usually true but not the certainty it once was with the increase in ridership.
I just wish that Amtrak could bring back the Silver Meteor to Tampa. With only 1 northbound and 1 southbound Silver Star out of Tampa, is it still possible to take a daytrip? I used to do it back in the early 80s from Tampa to Sanford and back.
An increase in "Silver Service" to Tampa would be great to see. Options for same-day trips from Tampa are limited to Winter Haven and Sebring, but Sebring is REALLY pushing it, since it only allows a half-hour or so for delays.
@samuda100 They have so many Superliner cars in Chicago Yard. They could make another train from Chicago-Tampa. But people who ride City Of New Orleans can catch the train that goes from California-Tampa. it stops in New Orleans I believe.
TalfinFilmz09 9 months ago
@TalfinFilmz09 No trains currently travel between California and Tampa, or anywhere else in Florida. The Sunset Limited's eastbound terminus is New Orleans I believe that is why samuda100 suggested either Sunset Limited or City of New Orleans be extended to Florida.
TampaGS 8 months ago
You noted on the video that the train was late. First time I took Amtrak, the (Crecent from Anniston Al to Charlotte) it was five hours late. A trip from Charlotte to NYC on the Carolinian was an hour or so late. About the same time my girlfriend had a nightmare experiance with a major breakdown on the crecent south bound from NY. But the last few times I took the crecent this fall and winter it has been ontime to the minute. Any good reason for the improvement? Or have I just been lucky lately?
IamtheBurceDickenson 2 years ago
Amtrak just issued a release regarding the state of their long-distance trains (like the Crescent). On average, their on-time performance is up from 30% in 2006 to 75% in 2009. They've been analyzing route performance in an effort to improve the service, so it may not be all just "luck".
The improvement is nice, but "luck" is still a big factor, and will remain so as long as they are dependent on tracks owned by the freight railroads.
TampaGS 2 years ago
I am sure such an improvement is one big reason why getting a ticket at the lowest prices; or maybe even getting one at all, isn't the sure thing it used to be. One good thing about Amtrak is that you could book at the last minute without the huge spike in price as with the airlines. That is still usually true but not the certainty it once was with the increase in ridership.
IamtheBurceDickenson 2 years ago
I just wish that Amtrak could bring back the Silver Meteor to Tampa. With only 1 northbound and 1 southbound Silver Star out of Tampa, is it still possible to take a daytrip? I used to do it back in the early 80s from Tampa to Sanford and back.
ACLTony 2 years ago
An increase in "Silver Service" to Tampa would be great to see. Options for same-day trips from Tampa are limited to Winter Haven and Sebring, but Sebring is REALLY pushing it, since it only allows a half-hour or so for delays.
TampaGS 2 years ago
Thanks TampaGS,
I'm thinking that perhaps I can take a trip to Winter Haven, do a "mini-getaway" to Cypress Gardens, and return the next day.
ACLTony 2 years ago
That's totally doable... an afternoon should be adequate time for that park. Though spring may be the best time to see it.
TampaGS 2 years ago
Cool! 60 is on # 92! That engine is my account's namesake! It still needs a new coat of paint.
amtrak60 2 years ago