Amtrak Fixes Part One
THIS IS TOO FAST AMTRAK!
Unless you buy a ticket on the Acela no one should have to travel at this CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS SPEED!
The train was rattling A TAD! Enough to shake the wings off a P-38 Lightning.
90
ABOVE 90 IT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLY CLOSE TO COMING OFF THE TRACKS. SOMETHING I DON'T WANT TO DO AT 112 MPH.
The caboose officer possibly announcer of the eastbound Pennslyvanian August 2nd (after Harrisburg crew) deserves a promotion.
For "coolness above and beyond the call of duty".
1. When you are changing engines PLUG THE CARS INTO THE STATION POWER!
A big cable? Can't be too hard.
It was unconscionably hot waiting for the new engine getting hooked on.
2. Free slushy machines in every car. Lots of flavors.
3. Refuel all the trains at the stations. We were just stopped west of Harrisburg to get gas.
4. Internet Everywhere: Starlink it whatever works. Six satellite units per car.
5. Arm rests? What happened to those between seats? I feel like the older fashioned "4-6 person compartments" were more fun for coach.
A seat-to-overhead "bundling board" that can rise up would be even better. Turns a coach seat into a private compartment easily.
6. Maybe, you tell me Lady Amtrakers, do you want food and beverage cart service?
I enjoy bobbing and weaving up to the Cafe Car but others might like "hotdogs! peanuts! cold beer! cotton candy!" coming down the aisle.
I know a maintenance guy in Pittsburgh who'd be perfect for the job and probably enjoy it too.
I swear the conductor said "no alcohol" but the Cafe Car serves it and I expect to partake later but in the meantime wtf?
This isn't Yankee Stadium. Why is our Federal rail service enforcing a monopoly?
"Got a case bring a case". Maybe there should be. Yeah...
7. There's a "Quiet Car". There will be a "18+ Party Car" too.
Where everyone can do anything that doesn't derail the train or spill over into another car.
I am fine with the "ten miles long" club.
8. WHY IS IT SPELLED AMTRAK?
What kind lf business school moron thought the word "track" needed rizzed up?
Works perfectly fine spelled correctly.
I don't like getting cute with engineering. Too important.
Phase out that spelling as new labels are required.
What are the odds the Federal Governement owns Amtrack.com?
WE'LL BUY IT.
9. Why do you close the Cafe Car when it's not open?
The seats still work!
There's no observation car on the shorter routes. That's half the reason people hang out in it.
So leave it open. When I took "The Cardinal" twice both times the crew didn't care.
Obviously it's the official rule and some officials are more unruly,
I like them.