I know the changes on January 15 to the A-T, as posted by the link jls provided on dining car changes, have been discussed in that topic. But I thought that it might deserve its own topic since it appears to signal a shift from Amtrak's current direction of eliminating amenities including full service meals.
Yes, I know the A-T market is different from that of other LD trains including the three mentioned by Anderson as sustainable in the long term, presumably as experiential service, whatever that is.
According to Amtrak, the A-T will lose 5 positions for each of the 5 crews assigned to that service (total of 25). This includes 2 AT (unique to A-T and I guess in the coaches?), 1 Chef, 1 LD (LSA?), and 1 food service employee. One coach, the coach diner, and coach lounge will be become 1 CCC (with the box meals no longer included) with just 4 coaches (reduction of 1). So, I assume that all the staff reduction will be associated with those changes??
On the other hand, for sleeping car passengers the train will gain 1 sleeper for a total of 8 (others added as demand requires), one SSL car as the lounge (I believe now it's often a diner in that service) and a full service diner with a new seasonal menu and a variety of entrees. Cocktails and wine service in the diner. Meals still included in the fare. It says both sleeper and coach passenger can purchase items in the lounge, so I guess that means the sleeper lounge will be staffed?
It appears Amtrak has made a strategic decision to upgrade the A-T sleeper service (and downgrade coaches). Does this mean that they have decided there is a market for improved service? If so is this a test and unique to A-T? And, if successful, could it be the model for the CZ, EB, and CS?
Lots of questions, so I hope some will have insight how this will actually go down.
Yes, I know the A-T market is different from that of other LD trains including the three mentioned by Anderson as sustainable in the long term, presumably as experiential service, whatever that is.
According to Amtrak, the A-T will lose 5 positions for each of the 5 crews assigned to that service (total of 25). This includes 2 AT (unique to A-T and I guess in the coaches?), 1 Chef, 1 LD (LSA?), and 1 food service employee. One coach, the coach diner, and coach lounge will be become 1 CCC (with the box meals no longer included) with just 4 coaches (reduction of 1). So, I assume that all the staff reduction will be associated with those changes??
On the other hand, for sleeping car passengers the train will gain 1 sleeper for a total of 8 (others added as demand requires), one SSL car as the lounge (I believe now it's often a diner in that service) and a full service diner with a new seasonal menu and a variety of entrees. Cocktails and wine service in the diner. Meals still included in the fare. It says both sleeper and coach passenger can purchase items in the lounge, so I guess that means the sleeper lounge will be staffed?
It appears Amtrak has made a strategic decision to upgrade the A-T sleeper service (and downgrade coaches). Does this mean that they have decided there is a market for improved service? If so is this a test and unique to A-T? And, if successful, could it be the model for the CZ, EB, and CS?
Lots of questions, so I hope some will have insight how this will actually go down.