Lie flat beds could mean a pod setup like the new Nightjets or a capsule hotel. That would work for economy class on dedicated night train like Dreamstar. One thing is for sure, if this happens at all it'll have years before it has to compete with CA HSR! 😜
Crap, I'm going to Montreal in mid June to catch the Ocean. It looks like I'm going to have to switch to a bus in Albany. Is there work being done on the track or something?
The utility car has a dedicated crew lounge and kitchenette. It's a valid point though. The cafe car should have be all cafe seating; especially if coach passengers aren't going to have loung access. Revenue seats on the lower level are a good idea.
At least know I have a clearer picture of how the SoloSuites fit together. They do take up less space than 2 Roomettes would, but not by much. Unless I'm missing something the standard sleeping car can only accommodate 36 passengers, which is less than the superliner sleepers we have know. And...
They would need a high density economy option like Nightjet's sleeping pods, which would be easier to pull off if the rolling stock is only used overnight.
Weren't dedicated lounges limited to passengers in Pullman sleeping cars on most railroads back in the day? Having supplemental revenue space would be lounge cars more practical, but it wouldn't surprise me if they ended up only on the 2-day routes and the Coast Starlight.
Shouldn't the regular sleepers be able to fit more than 4 roomettes on the lower lever? The ADA bedrooms are in another car and the premium bedroom doesn't seem to take up that much more space than the family bedroom.
I think the black space next to the shower is steps and the table next to the vanity is meant to be a nightstand. I hope better images come out sooner rather than later.