It appears that Amtrak has decided to continue to first diminish amenities, and then raise prices to the point of where business falls off. IMO, we may have reached the point where the lost amenities and higher prices equate to lower ridership and lower revenue. Price is one factor but amenities usually figure in as part of the value of the trip
. Of all Amtrak routes the Autotrain faces serious challenges. The demographic of those who ride the Autotrain is changing. The Autotrain survives in large part on the "baby boomer" senior citizen "snowbird" market. This demographic is a changing one as the generation is aging, survives on fixed incomes and is vulnerable to failing health, mobility, and even end of life.
When people decide on an Autotrain trip, it must be compared to cost of car travel. I can drive the 900 miles for about $600 (mileage, a few good meals and a comfortable nights stay in a good hotel. If compared to airline costs, flights with a rental car are also lower in cost.
Travelers will ultimately decide what form of transportation is the most economica (and comfortable) l, but Amtrak has the job of finding out where they fit in, what the market is doing and what the market will bear,. I know several former Amtrak travelers that now drive to Florida to save money. Will this be the trend? Time will tell.