From the NARP reported that is posted, I would be curious of the numbers of passengers of the city pairs and percentage of total ridership.
Riding this route several times a year to PHL and NYP, I can say that I see over half the train empty at PHL in either direction. Then loading, over half the train gets on in PHL. That tells me that there are not that many people going the entire length of the route.
I also think that if PA subsidizes a cafe car, New Jersey should subsidize the cafe car on this train as well.
My question is, do all the states for the NEC subsidize the cafes on the regionals and Acela? Does PA pay for this?
I still don't think it is needed. I take stuff with me and I get stuff in PHL or NYP to take with me on the train. It is much better than the amfood from the cafe car and much cheaper.
The two ladies should have read the timetable to see that there is no cafe and plan accordingly.