Yes. It lists the restoration of traditional dining to the Texas Eagle as an example of an upgrade Amtrak could make if the “food and beverage improvements” line item is funded. But it does not state that is the full scope of the food and beverage improvements initiative as jis mentioned. It...
This is likely the result of OTP negotiations with UP. Amtrak must pursue agreed to “certified schedules” with the carrier before they can file a complaint with the STb (as they have done with the sunset limited.)
Exactly. Reading between the lines it seems the future of the Viewliner 1 sleepers is the primary decision point. I kind of get the impression (somewhat an educated guess) that there’s two options on the table - one would be an option execution on the Airo order for replacing Amfleet II along...
It’s impossible to know the full programmatic details from a technical specification. What if they reveal that the premium coach seats (which many overnight passengers will likely spring for) have access? And what if they just allow access with a purchase of a beverage from the “first class...
There is an option in there to have the same skylight style windows in the coaches as for the lounges - so conceivably you could "sightsee" right from your seat on cars where they exercise that option. Obviously it's nice to have somewhere to go other than your seat but if the coaches had the...
It’s edible. I’ve said this before but there isn’t any huge groundbreaking difference between flex meals and Acela first class dining. They’re both airline style meals. One (Acela obviously) is presented better but having had both back to back in a short period of time there’s not a heck of a...
The grant request does mention restoring Traditional dining to the Eagle as something they want to do in FY25 depending on the funding they get from their annual grant under the "Food service improvement" initiative- it's listed under the initiatives they'd like to do again depending on funding.
https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/reports/Amtrak-General-Legislative-Annual-Report-FY2025-Grant-Request.pdf#page65
Amtraks FY request is out - notably this coming fiscal year will have the first pay out towards the LD re fleeting ($407 milllion.)
For whoever had the maintenance concerns it says right in there that they will be including a TSSSA (pronounced "T Triple S A" - stands for technical services and spares supply agreement) with the trainsets which is the same regime they are using for the ALC42s and that the Airos will also use...
Please keep in mind it lists those as “minimum capacities for that route.” They aren’t necessarily married to that - they are including the ability to alter consists seasonally.