Ryan
Court Jester
Blackwolf correctly suggested that this aspeect of the discussion be broken out since it applies to all LD service and not just Viewliner 2.
That also suggests that the LD Amfleets are going in for a paint job. I think that it's a great move and another embodiment of Amtrak's reorganization into product lines. Hopefully this will give the LD trains a good bit of visibility here in the east, since they'll be visually different on the NEC from the regional trains (more so than just the inclusion of different shaped cars, which is probably something only us railfans will notice).I think this new information might require a brand new thread to be started!It doesn't include the striping, Phase III is BACK!
With the launch of our new single-level long distance equipment the Viewliner II, Amtrak is also launching Amtrak America, a brand that will encompass all that is great about Amtraks long-haul trains, including those with sleeper class service. Amtraks route brands will continue, and this brand will make the conversation and overall service offerings clear to our customers and stakeholders.
Amtrak America will utilize our Phase Three striping on the single-level long distance cars as a tribute to our heritage. The first cars released from production will also carry Amtraks heritage logo in honor of our past. Amtraks current logo will return on the standard production cars.
IMHO, this is HUGE news. Amtrak seems to have officially shifted the Long-Distance trains into their own very public category with this move. The LD's (at least, the single-level LD's for now) will have their own paint scheme (LOVING the return of Phase III) separate from the rest of the fleet and the very patriotic name of "Amtrak America."
That makes Amtrak have some pretty defined naming practices from this point forward:
- Amtrak America - Long-Distance full-service routes
- Northeast Regional - NEC standard service
- Acela - High-speed full-service routes (but currently available only on the NEC)
- Amtrak California - California-based standard service
- Amtrak Cascades - Pacific northwest Talgo service