I recently took the #422 Texas Eagle from Los Angeles to Chicago. I could not decide between this train and the Coast Starlight/Empire Builder and decided on this routing because of the numerous and recent delays of the Empire Builder. I had been on this long way to Chicago route once before.
I will have to say that this was definitely one of my best Amtrak trips. From the on-time-performance along the entire route (there were slow orders in Illinois due to heat), the condition of the roomette and car (it was not refurbished) and the crew itself - it was just how a long distance train should operate.
Boarding in Los Angeles was a bit chaotic - people getting into the wrong car - the Texas Eagle sleeper instead of the Sunset Limited sleeper (SCA just a bit overwhelmed at boarding). Otherwise the train departed just a few minutes late. The SCA on this train was good. (20 years service) She was not overbearing but not underwhelming. She was there and was seen but never did come to the room to check on passengers. I will say she was kept very busy at dining time as she was delivering five meals back to her passengers. She did keep the bathrooms and shower wiped down and clean. She was always there to open the door - not always there to close it though. LOL! LOL! She did have a good personality and kept juice, coffee, ice, and etc. out and available. The SCA from San Antonio to Chicago(1.5 years service) was the same with a quieter more subdued personality. He was professional and attended to his passengers needs as requested. He did admonish me for picking up the step stool and putting it back inside the vestibule when the train was getting ready to leave and he was not there to close the door. This was a first for me. I am just glad that I did not try opening or closing the door. LOL! I was very satisfied with his service and found absolutely no complaints on either of these SCA's.
As was stated the car was not refurbished. However there was not a squeak, rattle, shake, and the a/c worked great. The car itself could have definitely used a touch up so to speak, but otherwise I was very surprised on what good condition everything was in. It was nice not to have to use duct tape, wash cloths and all other materials used to get rid of those pesky noises that can eminate while rolling along.
The dining car staff (Sunset Limited) was the best I have encountered. The LSA (10 months service) ran the most efficient dining car I have encountered. People friendly, customer oriented, polite and professional and this included his on-board staff. I did write Amtrak a compliment letter regarding him and his staff. This is exactly how a dining car should be run - efficient, on-time seating, good food, and never once did I have to ask for something. This is on a train that was sold-out and I have never seen so many coach passengers eating in the dining car - even at dinner time.
There were slow orders in Central Illinois due to the high heat and track work which caused over a two hour late arrival into Chicago, otherwise it was close to on-time the entire way.
Overall, the entire crew of both trains were great. Kept everyone informed of delays, all announcements were heard throughout the train, very professional group and customer oriented. The cafe care attendant was always on the job except at his meal times and opened and closed on schedule. I never did see Amtrak employees sitting in the dining car or downstairs of the lounge car doing nothing.
A very remarkable trip and proves that with the right crews and people and some cooperation from the host railroads a long distance trip can be great all the way around. Sadly, when you board you never know what you might get.
I will have to say that this was definitely one of my best Amtrak trips. From the on-time-performance along the entire route (there were slow orders in Illinois due to heat), the condition of the roomette and car (it was not refurbished) and the crew itself - it was just how a long distance train should operate.
Boarding in Los Angeles was a bit chaotic - people getting into the wrong car - the Texas Eagle sleeper instead of the Sunset Limited sleeper (SCA just a bit overwhelmed at boarding). Otherwise the train departed just a few minutes late. The SCA on this train was good. (20 years service) She was not overbearing but not underwhelming. She was there and was seen but never did come to the room to check on passengers. I will say she was kept very busy at dining time as she was delivering five meals back to her passengers. She did keep the bathrooms and shower wiped down and clean. She was always there to open the door - not always there to close it though. LOL! LOL! She did have a good personality and kept juice, coffee, ice, and etc. out and available. The SCA from San Antonio to Chicago(1.5 years service) was the same with a quieter more subdued personality. He was professional and attended to his passengers needs as requested. He did admonish me for picking up the step stool and putting it back inside the vestibule when the train was getting ready to leave and he was not there to close the door. This was a first for me. I am just glad that I did not try opening or closing the door. LOL! I was very satisfied with his service and found absolutely no complaints on either of these SCA's.
As was stated the car was not refurbished. However there was not a squeak, rattle, shake, and the a/c worked great. The car itself could have definitely used a touch up so to speak, but otherwise I was very surprised on what good condition everything was in. It was nice not to have to use duct tape, wash cloths and all other materials used to get rid of those pesky noises that can eminate while rolling along.
The dining car staff (Sunset Limited) was the best I have encountered. The LSA (10 months service) ran the most efficient dining car I have encountered. People friendly, customer oriented, polite and professional and this included his on-board staff. I did write Amtrak a compliment letter regarding him and his staff. This is exactly how a dining car should be run - efficient, on-time seating, good food, and never once did I have to ask for something. This is on a train that was sold-out and I have never seen so many coach passengers eating in the dining car - even at dinner time.
There were slow orders in Central Illinois due to the high heat and track work which caused over a two hour late arrival into Chicago, otherwise it was close to on-time the entire way.
Overall, the entire crew of both trains were great. Kept everyone informed of delays, all announcements were heard throughout the train, very professional group and customer oriented. The cafe care attendant was always on the job except at his meal times and opened and closed on schedule. I never did see Amtrak employees sitting in the dining car or downstairs of the lounge car doing nothing.
A very remarkable trip and proves that with the right crews and people and some cooperation from the host railroads a long distance trip can be great all the way around. Sadly, when you board you never know what you might get.
