<<<Even more reprehensible was the burden this policy placed on those Amtrak employees who had to deal directly with the frustrated, irate customers who'd had their reservations yanked out from under them. >>>
Eric - you are 100% correct. I have a trip on #5 in May - and when I purchased the...
I have a CZ trip in Nov 2021 (Car 0531, RM 6), and in Feb 2022 (0631, RM 5) - and I made both those reservations about 6-8 weeks ago or so (maybe a little longer).
#8 today - and the EB is by far the best service/cleanliness (half-full dining car, and very willing to deliver meals to room if preferred - outstanding service by both Dining and SCA crew).....and this eastbound SEA crew was just notified all but one member was furloughed.....so a rough trip...
Rode #5, #11, #14 and on #8 right now - and talked (at length) with the crews of each train - and all stated the same thing "traditional dining will never return"......at least nowhere in the near future - but that was the only thing all 4 journeys shared in common - other than that, each...
I am currently on the EB (#8), and have been on #11, #14 and #5 over the past 7 days - and at no time did Amtrak reach out to me. Also, be forewarned that Dining service differs by route (at least out West over the past 7 days....lol). CZ would only seat 4 tables total (and service was...
Well - #14 yesterday/today was much better (service wise) than the CZ. And, on #14, no social distancing in the Diner....so, no wait list (no shared tables - but, no “Only 4 tables in the diner” that CZ was running). Same food, but the offer to deliver was made at the beginning of each...
OK - sooo, on the CS from SAC->LA on Monday, entire menu was available, with 3 options (eat at table, delivery to room by SCA or pick-up in diner and you bring it back to your room to eat). Same menu (of course), but much better crew than CZ. And, as far as car cleanliness goes - the CZ...
Wrapped up a trip on CZ yesterday (1105, DEN->SAC), and the food was not the worst I ever had - but certainly was far from enjoyable. Only 5 tables being used in diner.....no food service to rooms....on CZ they alternated availability each day (so it wasn;t the full flex menu each day)...
According to AMTRAK 1-800 number - and the Track-my-Train portal - 5/6 are running thru Colorado again - but I-70 is still closed......I have a trip planned for 8/29 (DEN->SAC) - should be an interesting ride thru the canyon....
It is odd. During the service disruption, the normal SLC arr time is 2305. However, on the 28th, 11th, etc - the arrival time slips to 0057 the following morning. Must be something going on that 2nd day of each window that delays it.......
Yep - agree.
Just checked a little more - and the 1105 starts the end of this month - and runs into September (I checked some random dates into Sep and it was still 1105). Departs out of CHI at it's normal time - and arrives in DEN - 715a (normal time) but sits in DEN for an extra 2...