Seat assignments (Acela pilot Feb 2018)

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So if Amtrak gets rid off all their services and amenities, will they still be 60 times as good as Megabus, as their pricing indicates?
Megabus typically only sells a couple seats at the bargain basement $1 fare. (There's also a $2.50/purchase fee for ticketing, at least when buying online.) Megabus' typical fares for that route seem to be $5-$20, with each Friday and Sunday often going quickly to $20 once one or two $1 tickets are sold. Last minute tickets and popular times/days can also get higher than $20.

On the Northeast Corridor, I'm not aware of anything Amtrak has outright cut, and they've recently improved cafe car offerings and refurbished the interiors of the trains. Megabus has a lot tighter and narrower seating, no food offerings at all, wifi that seems to work less well than even Amtrak's offering, and power outlets that usually work. I'd also much rather use an Amtrak bathroom than a Megabus bathroom.

There's certainly some instances where I'd take Megabus, but if money allows I'd certainly take Amtrak over Megabus in the NEC.
 
So if Amtrak gets rid off all their services and amenities, will they still be 60 times as good as Megabus, as their pricing indicates?
Megabus typically only sells a couple seats at the bargain basement $1 fare. (There's also a $2.50/purchase fee for ticketing, at least when buying online.) Megabus' typical fares for that route seem to be $5-$20, with each Friday and Sunday often going quickly to $20 once one or two $1 tickets are sold. Last minute tickets and popular times/days can also get higher than $20.

On the Northeast Corridor, I'm not aware of anything Amtrak has outright cut, and they've recently improved cafe car offerings and refurbished the interiors of the trains. Megabus has a lot tighter and narrower seating, no food offerings at all, wifi that seems to work less well than even Amtrak's offering, and power outlets that usually work. I'd also much rather use an Amtrak bathroom than a Megabus bathroom.

There's certainly some instances where I'd take Megabus, but if money allows I'd certainly take Amtrak over Megabus in the NEC.
If you ride Megabus, or any other bus between Washington and New York, you will be riding, or possibly sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike and Lincoln Tunnel. While that would be better than driving the same route, I'd rather be on the train, even with trackwork delays.

Also, Baltimore to New York is a 4 hour drive, I don't care what Google maps says, whereas even the current trackwork-slowed NER time is 2:45. NEC service is a quantum leap over competing bus service, and the prices reflect that.
 
I really hope this works out not only for the Acela, but gets expanded to the system as a whole.

A couple days ago I had to make a number of ticket bookings for train travel through Germany and was pleasantly surprised that I could now select not only which seat I wanted to sit in, but even which coach.

Which is nice, because I was actually able to select "seat 17" in the first coach on one of the InterCity Express trains (my screen name and favorite seat on any train).

Actually I have a pretty good idea what it takes to do this sort of stuff since I have been peripherally involved in similar projects, most closely with the system used by United Airlines (SHARES). Also have followed the work of the folks who did the system used by Indian Railways, which by the way has assigned accommodation for all reserved accommodation, which if anything is way more complex and massive compared to anything that Amtrak could conceivably dream of, in terms of number of stations served, number of trains operated, number of seats/berths per train and number of passengers carried in reserved accommodation. It really is not as spectacularly difficult as is made out by folks here, and is not really rocket science either.
I agree with jis that if a country like Germany or India with much more complex routes and diverse rolling stock can figure it out, then it shouldn't be all that hard for Amtrak to do.

Perhaps a good way to go about funding this would be to do as the Deutsche Bahn (German railways) does, where you have to pay 4.50EUR (about $5.75) to reserve a seat?
When did the opportunity to pick your actual seat(s) on the ICE (not just to guarantee a certain type of seats) start? Any idea if that is just first class, or does it apply to second class, too? It has been several years since I rode an ICE far enough to make reserved seating worthwhile.
I'm not sure when it showed up exactly, but I'd say it's been around for over a year at this point. It seems to be available for both 1st and 2nd class. The only key difference being that you have to pay for the seat reservation in 2nd class.
 
I didn't book Megabus, but I recently traveled Peter Pan Bus from Providence to NYC because I needed a last minute ride and Amtrak was charging $100+. Bus fare was $35. Seating was cramped, no wifi and my power outlet didn't work. Took 6 hours to travel 200 miles because of typical lousy I-95 Sunday traffic.
 
I'm currently on Peter Pan from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Boston South Station. The bus is actually owned and operated by "Villani", but they're doing business as Peter Pan. I'm telling you, this is the worst bus I've ever been on. There's no WiFi (which was promised), no 120V outlets (which were promised), and not only are the seats tiny with no legroom or arm room, there also also idiotically bent backward in the middle, which is murdering my spine. We didn't take Amtrak because it was four times the price, but in retrospect I think there's no doubt it would have been worth it.
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I'm currently on Peter Pan from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Boston South Station. The bus is actually owned and operated by "Villani", but they're doing business as Peter Pan. I'm telling you, this is the worst bus I've ever been on. There's no WiFi (which was promised), no 120V outlets (which were promised), and not only are the seats tiny with no legroom or arm room, there also also idiotically bent backward in the middle, which is murdering my spine. We didn't take Amtrak because it was four times the price, but in retrospect I think there's no doubt it would have been worth it.
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Sounds like you are on a "rental" bus....a bus that Peter Pan chartered to supplement their own fleet for the busy holiday weekend. A common practice in the industry. Usually, they try to choose rental's that are up to their own standard's or better, but doesn't always work out that way....sorry for your experience...
 
After playing around. It seems like 2160 is the only train being added for now.
This month, four additional Acelas are being activated each week.For the time period you were looking, you should now also see 2150.
Thanks. What other trains were added??
Todays other three activations were WAS-NYP trips, one weekday and two weekend. Four additional a week from today, and so on for the next three weeks at least. None of those additional twelve are a WAS-BOS weekday trip though.
 
I'm currently on Peter Pan from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Boston South Station. The bus is actually owned and operated by "Villani", but they're doing business as Peter Pan. I'm telling you, this is the worst bus I've ever been on. There's no WiFi (which was promised), no 120V outlets (which were promised), and not only are the seats tiny with no legroom or arm room, there also also idiotically bent backward in the middle, which is murdering my spine. We didn't take Amtrak because it was four times the price, but in retrospect I think there's no doubt it would have been worth it.
default_sad.png
Sounds like you are on a "rental" bus....a bus that Peter Pan chartered to supplement their own fleet for the busy holiday weekend. A common practice in the industry. Usually, they try to choose rental's that are up to their own standard's or better, but doesn't always work out that way....sorry for your experience...
Yeah, it became pretty clear once we boarded that the bus was chartered from and operated by a different company. Fortunately it didn't end up being too bad. I took a blanket and crammed it in the weird seat cavity, so while it certainly wasn't ideal, it wasn't total misery.
 
Post Updated on 11/7/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

Link to a seating chart on Amtrak.com thanks to Bratkinson.

https://www.amtrak.com/onboard/onboard-accommodations-for-all-your-needs/seating-accommodations/first-class.html

As of 10/19/18 All weekday Northbound trains have assigned seating.

As of 11/7/18 the roll out is complete effective 11/12/18 

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2107 

2109 

2110

2117

2119 

2121 

2122

2124

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2151 NEW

2153 NEW

2154

2155 NEW

2158

2159 NEW

2160

2163

2164

2165

2166

2167

2168

2170

2171

2172

2173 NEW

2175 NEW

2248

2249

2250
2251

2252

2253

2254

2255

2256

2257 NEW

2258

2259

2260

2261

2275

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
 
You have to book first and then you can modify it afterwards. Unless something has changed.
 
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
It’s effective as soon as it was put into ARROW. If you’re riding in First Class call Amtrak to get an assigned seat.

So does Amtrak supply a diagram so you can see where the seats are located? I tried to book 2190 just to see how you do it and couldn't find anything.

Update: I guess you have to have to log in first.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets then you can choose a seat. That’s how it’s been explained.
 
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
It’s effective as soon as it was put into ARROW. If you’re riding in First Class call Amtrak to get an assigned seat.

So does Amtrak supply a diagram so you can see where the seats are located? I tried to book 2190 just to see how you do it and couldn't find anything.

Update: I guess you have to have to log in first.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets then you can choose a seat. That’s how it’s been explained.
If you have to choose your seats after you've booked then how do you know which trains offer this? Are the specific trains with seat assignments listed somewhere else?
 
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
It’s effective as soon as it was put into ARROW. If you’re riding in First Class call Amtrak to get an assigned seat.
So does Amtrak supply a diagram so you can see where the seats are located? I tried to book 2190 just to see how you do it and couldn't find anything.

Update: I guess you have to have to log in first.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets then you can choose a seat. That’s how it’s been explained.
If you have to choose your seats after you've booked then how do you know which trains offer this? Are the specific trains with seat assignments listed somewhere else?
I just want to clear on your question. Are you asking if the seat assignment program is in effect AFTER you booked and how to know which trains are in the program?
 
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
It’s effective as soon as it was put into ARROW. If you’re riding in First Class call Amtrak to get an assigned seat.
So does Amtrak supply a diagram so you can see where the seats are located? I tried to book 2190 just to see how you do it and couldn't find anything.

Update: I guess you have to have to log in first.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets then you can choose a seat. That’s how it’s been explained.
If you have to choose your seats after you've booked then how do you know which trains offer this? Are the specific trains with seat assignments listed somewhere else?
I just want to clear on your question. Are you asking if the seat assignment program is in effect AFTER you booked and how to know which trains are in the program?
Yep.
 
Post Updated on 9/26/18 to reflect new trains with Assigned Seating. New trains in RED.

I've done a check of trains that have assigned seating.

WAS-NYP

2100

2103

2104

2110

2117

2122 NEW

2124 NEW

2126

2128

2203

2205

2208

2213

2215 NEW

2220

2222

2224

2228

WAS-BOS

2150

2160

2249

2251

2255

2256 NEW

2258 NEW

2259 NEW

2260

2261 NEW

2275 NEW

NYP-BOS

2190

2290

I'll try my best to keep this up to date.
When is this effective? I'm taking 2124 tomorrow. (9/27)
It’s effective as soon as it was put into ARROW. If you’re riding in First Class call Amtrak to get an assigned seat.
So does Amtrak supply a diagram so you can see where the seats are located? I tried to book 2190 just to see how you do it and couldn't find anything.

Update: I guess you have to have to log in first.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets then you can choose a seat. That’s how it’s been explained.
If you have to choose your seats after you've booked then how do you know which trains offer this? Are the specific trains with seat assignments listed somewhere else?
I just want to clear on your question. Are you asking if the seat assignment program is in effect AFTER you booked and how to know which trains are in the program?
Yep.
The only way outside of this post to know if your train has assigned seating is to do a test booking or call Amtrak. Outside of that no one knows. And I’ve heard some stories of people who have assigned seats and people are already sitting in them and give them a hard time for taking “their seat”.
 
Well, and if someone booked a seat before a given train got assigned seats and Amtrak isn't cluing them in about it, I can totally see that being a problem. Then again, IIRC this happened the first time they tried this...
 
Well, and if someone booked a seat before a given train got assigned seats and Amtrak isn't cluing them in about it, I can totally see that being a problem. Then again, IIRC this happened the first time they tried this...
This was exactly my question. I booked my trip some time ago and havent received any notice from Amtrak that I've been assigned a seat. If they're assigning seats to walk-ups today without informing us, that's a pretty messed up rollout of the system.

Oh well, I guess I'll check at the Club Acela this morning when I get into DC.
 
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