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  1. DesertDude

    How reliable is the Amtrak connecting shuttle from Maricopa to PHX Sky Harbor airport in the mornings?

    Assuming the eastbound train is running close to on time, would you feel comfortable booking this connection to PHA (Amtrak's station code for the airport), or is it a gamble that would make you pray there's an Uber driver who can fill in the gap? FWIW, the flight wouldn't leave Phoenix until...
  2. DesertDude

    AGR FNBO Credit Card discussion 2023 H2 -2024

    Glad to see there's already discussion on this thread about the new cards they mailed out. I finally got around to looking at it today, and had the same thoughts. Why doesn't the new card look different (although TBF I noticed the "world" on the new card that someone up thread pointed out)? Why...
  3. DesertDude

    Amtrak dining and cafe service

    As of April 2023, can coach passengers on the Zephyr eat in the dining car now? Or is it still limited to sleeper car passengers only? I was having difficulty finding this info on this forum or on Amtrak's website. Thank you!
  4. DesertDude

    Markets along existing Amtrak routes with untapped ridership potential

    Yes, I very much agree with this. I'll quote what I said on this forum a long time ago: "...the Sunset Limited from LAX to NOL would be a very successful train in any sane world (and I'm not even talking about restoring the train NOL-FL). If you count Phoenix, the SL serves 4 of the 7 largest...
  5. DesertDude

    Markets along existing Amtrak routes with untapped ridership potential

    As I've spent more time in the realm of rail advocacy, I've found myself more interested in "low hanging fruit" improvements that would help Amtrak bolster ridership as opposed to grandiose plans of bringing back certain routes or building high speed rail. I think one area of improvement for...
  6. DesertDude

    Does redemption activity restart the clock on the 24 month rule for points expiration?

    I need help understanding the following scenario: Let's say I don't have any current trips planned or booked, and no expectation of booking anything for a while (maybe for several months, or a couple years, who knows). I decide to cancel my Amtrak credit card, which means I'm no longer going to...
  7. DesertDude

    Railroad Museum in Granby, Colorado

    Definitely not something one would have time for if they were traveling through Granby. But, from Denver, Granby works well for a day trip on the CZ - take the train up to Granby in the morning, then ride it back to Denver in the late afternoon. Assuming the westbound train is on time, leaves a...
  8. DesertDude

    Why does the Sunset Limited stop in Ontario instead of somewhere farther east in the Inland Empire?

    Just for fun - does anyone know if the San Bernardino Metrolink line (the one that goes through Covina and Rancho Cucamonga) can accomodate Superliner equipment? If it can, maybe a rerouted Sunset Limited could stop in Claremont and San Bernardino instead. Those two stops have some great station...
  9. DesertDude

    Why does the Sunset Limited stop in Ontario instead of somewhere farther east in the Inland Empire?

    This is probably the better way. Fullerton is convenient enough for people in both Orange County and Pomona/Covina/etc., and Riverside is better located for the Inland Empire. In Colton, the train can veer right back onto the same ROW it currently takes out to Palm Springs.
  10. DesertDude

    Why does the Sunset Limited stop in Ontario instead of somewhere farther east in the Inland Empire?

    The Sunset Limited stops in Ontario, just 7 miles east of where it stops in Pomona. After Ontario, the train doesn't stop anywhere until it reaches Palm Springs. For the route, this seems like a weird placement for a station given that people who live in Redlands (for example) have to drive 30...
  11. DesertDude

    How will rail advocacy be shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic?

    It goes without saying we live in uncertain times, with constant discussion and debate over reopening and a "new normal" as we work through the COVID-19 crisis. That said, what does this mean for the rail advocacy work we've done, and how might that work change in the future? Here are some...
  12. DesertDude

    Amtrak route with least amount of support?

    I agree with Bob Dylan and Neroden that the Sunset Limited wins the "no love" contest, hands down. However, I was thinking just a week ago about how senseless the current state of the Sunset Limited is. To paraphrase what I said on this forum a while back, the Sunset Limited from LAX to NOL...
  13. DesertDude

    When it comes to growing Amtrak, what service expansion(s) do you view

    I know it's not within Amtrak's control given PRIIA rules and a messy history, but I think expanding Hoosier State service to 3 times a day (at least) is definitely "low-hanging" fruit. If the Downeaster can be a success as a 5x a day train, so can the Hoosier state. Indy-Chicago is in that...
  14. DesertDude

    When it comes to growing Amtrak, what service expansion(s) do you view

    I think Neroden's list is more along the lines of what I had in mind for low-hanging fruit (and I agree with his suggestions).
  15. DesertDude

    When it comes to growing Amtrak, what service expansion(s) do you view

    In this forum we talk about some ambitious ideas, like restoring service from Chicago - Florida. But on the other end of the spectrum, what are some examples of less daunting service expansions that you feel are within Amtrak's reach and would provide the most bang for Amtrak's buck (so to...
  16. DesertDude

    Colorado Front Range passenger rail... baby steps

    Today a co-worker told me about his recent visit to DUS. His words were: "At Union Station, passengers are an afterthought."
  17. DesertDude

    Good take-out near Boston's North Station

    I'll be taking the Downeaster from Boston to Portland in a few weeks. Is there a good restaurant close to the station where I could grab a nice meal to bring on the train?
  18. DesertDude

    Colorado Front Range passenger rail... baby steps

    I heartily second everything RSG says. I'm glad Union Station was preserved, but I tell people it's more night club than transit hub. And as a rail advocate, it's really irritating in many ways. I don't want to know how many thousands were spent on all that period furniture, yet they can't even...
  19. DesertDude

    Asked for Amtrak gift card, got one for Amtrak Vacations

    I'm also looking at possibly redeeming an *Amtrak Vacations* gift certificate. How easy is it? Mine is only $50, so do they just take your credit card info over the phone if your ticket is more than the gift certificate amount? I'm also not looking for any hotels or anything, just a train...
  20. DesertDude

    LD Trains, Most Popular Stops/City Pairs

    Where are you finding the information about Provo? I did a search for Provo in the linked PDF but nothing came up. IMO, Provo has a lot of untapped ridership potential. The expansion of commercial flights at Provo's airport (despite SLC International being close) suggests that it's a strong...
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