Recent content by PVD

High temperatures may require trains to operate at lower speeds. Please plan ahead as delays are possible. Generic warning towards the top of the Amtrak web site landing page. Not specific to any train, but we are getting into the season where they start to occur on a regular basis.

I have a friend who was LIRR-MTAPD detective, did a stint on the Joint Terrorism Task Force (interagency planning group) Then went to TSA working on surface transit security (think rail-especially that freight routinely carries hazmat through populated areas) Will probably see him Tues night at...

I don't know about APD, doubt it. Keep in mind that unlike the regular marshals service, air marshals are actually part of TSA. There have been occasions where they have participated in special security details involving rail including mass transit, (anyone remember the VIPR Teams) the degree to...

MTAPD commission in both NY & CT. so they can ride end to end on trains that hit CT The geographical area of employment provisions are meaningful in that they set limits on where a PD can conduct operations. Outside of an emergency (like a pursuit) the limitations imposed on those granted full...

Things can vary by state. They are legislatively established federal law enforcement. They are also a class 1 railroad police agency, and most states write into their statutes laws/regulations that grant them police powers for state laws as well. so APD falls under 2 categories in NY Federal...

Ethan Allen and Maple Leaf are partially NY funded and Adirondack is NYS subsidized.

Groome (used to be AZ Shuttle) goes from Flagstaff Amtrak to Grand Canyon. Take a look at them and check whether they have accessible transport. It may be a better option.

Halfway up the Hudson Line is MNRR, and they are committed to 3rd rail EMU and Diesel DM. Not sure if you could cost justify catenary for the volume of Amtrak traffic. And the Empire Connection ends in a single entry into NYP, so there is a slotting/timing that must be managed.

Probably particularly bad in a station like NYP, being underground, high level platform, and the platforms are mostly narrow

Yes, regardless of their actual job category, the folks in Albany were very helpful.

Exactly, someone from the baggage area helped me, and was very good.

The Amtrak website does not list Albany as a station that offers Red Cap service. On the other hand, I absolutely have received excellent baggage assistance there. Perhaps they are the checked baggage folks doing "double duty" and are not technically red caps, but certainly filled that role.

Hopefully we will get confirmation from our regular Union Station riders. It is a long haul from the lounge to the trains, I'll be connecting from NY to Emeryville this summer, and the walk would be a struggle for me with luggage. I've always used the "golf carts." NYP the red caps use large...

I think they still do have that. Staff at times has been "depleted" but not eliminated.

Just to throw this out there for discussion, any thoughts on reconfiguring the Palm back to a sleeper equipped train to provide a second Florida train from NY?