Cleanliness of the 'A' trains

[GB Bari]

I have just made reservations to take the Capital Limited to Chicago and the Empire Builder to Seattle next August. I was sort of hoping the restroom situation and general cleanliness would be better than what I have experienced in the NEC, :angry: because I am taking along both my wife and my 82 year old mother-in-law who has not ridden on a train since before WWII. The ladies will have a roomette on #29 and a bedroom on #7. I will be using coach on 29 and a roomette on 7. So in both legs of the journey one or more of us will need to use the "public" restrooms on the trains.

Can anyone who has ridden on these two trains recently (or more than once) report on their cleanliness? Also I would like to get reports of *any* recent experience with these trains - just to be forewarned and prepared.

Thanks

GB

 

[AlanB]

GB,

Well first of course let me point out that one person's idea of cleanliness can be different than anothers. That said, if you are going into this expecting a bathroom floor clean enough to eat off of, then you guys are going to be sorely disapointed. If your expectations are somewhat more moderate than that, then I don't think that you'll be too put off.

Turning to the realities of things, you will be a most risk for a dirty bathroom while on board the Capitol Limited since you are in coach. There is one coach attendant assiged to two cars. He/she is not only responsible for trying to keep some semblance of cleanliness in all 8 of the bathrooms, but is responsible for assigning seats, bringing meals to handicapped people, ensuring that people get off at the correct stop and a few other things, while still finding time to attend to their own needs of food and facilities.

Some attendants seem to do this better than others, so it can be very hit or miss unfortunately. This is one area that Amtrak management actually does need to work on, to get better uniformity from those workers, although there have been improvements of late. But also understand that even the best workers aren't miracle workers. They can't clean every bathroom after every use. They are expected to try and clean them at least twice a day, or upon report of a problem.

Turning to the sleepers, things should be much better in there as not only are there less people (34 if each room is filled to capacity vs. 75 in a coach) using the 4 public bathrooms, but there is one attendant per sleeping car. Granted he/she has a lot more work to do, which includes making up beds and other things including serving meals to people in their rooms, but they only have to deal with the 4 bathrooms and one shower. I do tend to find that the upstairs bathroom gets dirtest faster than the downstairs bathrooms do, since you potentially have 20 people all trying to use the one upstairs. I've seen people stand in line waiting for the upstairs bathroom, rather than walking downstairs when the odds are much better that at least one of the three are empty.

 

[daveyb99]

Superliner Bedrooms has their own toilet/shower combo. Just hose it down if your are concerned

 

[battalion51]

I would not be concerned at all about the cleanliness of the restroom in the bedroom, as the cars are cleaned pretty thoroughly in the yard. In a Sleeping Car I've never had an issue with a dirty bathroom, although I'm sure someone along the way has.

Now I'm not pretending to know you, or your family, but simply stating observations from other passengers I've seen in the past. With elderly passengers traversing the stairwell in the Superliners can be a challenge as it is very narrow. You may consider requesting Room H (which is downstairs and has a private restroom) if your mother-in-law has limited mobility.

 

[GB Bari]

AlanB -Thanks for the details about the crew duties and assignments. That doesn not sound all that different than the B&O trains I rode in the 1950s between Baltimore and Cincinnatti (usually the Diplomat, but occasionally the National Limited). It sounds like we at least have a chance for better conditions than on the NEC, as long as the particular crew are conscientious with good work ethic (an increasingly rare trait today). I won't go into why I am so concerned about it, but suffice it to say it's a serious health concern for one of us. It is not simply a fettish or obsession. Anyway, for the price we're paying, we are not going to "camp out" in anyone's train. I can go to a filthy campground toilet for 1% of this cost - but don't and won't.

Battalion51 - Not sure what floor the roomette will be on, but the 82 year-old is in very good physical shape. She is very small and negotiates stairs without any observable difficulty so she won't be the issue. I'm more of the problem as I am 6' tall and a bit wider than normal .

All- Thanks for the feedback. If anyone else has any other experiences to add with these two trains or to caution us please post away.

GB

 

[AlanB]

Not sure what floor the roomette will be on

If you know your room numbers already, then this diagram from Friends of Amtrak will help you to figure out where your rooms are. Note: You want to look at the Superliner diagrams.

All- Thanks for the feedback. If anyone else has any other experiences to add with these two trains or to caution us please post away.

GB you might want to check out On Track On Line's Hints & Tips for some info. And you might enjoy reading a trip report that I posted here in our Trip Report forum, with pictures. While I rode many other trains beyond the two that you'll be on, it will give you some idea on what to expect. Note that I started out on the Capitol, but then rode several other trains before I got to the Empire Builder, so you may have to skip ahead several pages if you don't want to read about all the other trains that I rode.

 

[Everydaymatters]

If the bathrooms in coach is dirty, I have found that if I wipe off the sink, counter and mirror each time I use them, everyone else does also. It looks clean after I leave, and other passengers tend to clean up after themselves also.

I never used to do that and it seemed it got progressively worse as the trip went on. Try it. It works. One person starts and and the others follow.

Makes for a much more pleasant trip.

 

[stonesfan]

Very true. Although I guess some people treat their own homes like a pig sty, so would certainly not think about cleaning up after themselves on an item that does not belong to them!

If the bathrooms in coach is dirty, I have found that if I wipe off the sink, counter and mirror each time I use them, everyone else does also. It looks clean after I leave, and other passengers tend to clean up after themselves also.
I never used to do that and it seemed it got progressively worse as the trip went on. Try it. It works. One person starts and and the others follow.

Makes for a much more pleasant trip.

 

[GB Bari]

Not sure what floor the roomette will be on

If you know your room numbers already, then this diagram from Friends of Amtrak will help you to figure out where your rooms are. Note: You want to look at the Superliner diagrams.

I do have the car and room numbers so am able to see where we'll be sleeping. Thanks!

GB you might want to check out On Track On Line's Hints & Tips for some info. And you might enjoy reading a trip report that I posted here in our Trip Report forum, with pictures. While I rode many other trains beyond the two that you'll be on, it will give you some idea on what to expect. Note that I started out on the Capitol, but then rode several other trains before I got to the Empire Builder, so you may have to skip ahead several pages if you don't want to read about all the other trains that I rode.

AlanB I read your entire trip report. Very well done. You used some terminology and acronyms that are obviously understood by experienced railfans but not me. Nevertheless, I got a good feel for the potential problems and delays that may be encountered. Now I realize that the 5.5 hours between 29's scheduled arrival at CUS and 7's (EB) departure could be trimmed down by delays between Washington DC and Chicago. And I will inform my party that we should not count on arriving at Seattle at the scheduled time. Lots of potential for delays along that 2 1/2 day trip. The NEC has kept almost impeccable schedules from our experience, but they don't share the tracks with freight trains (at least I've never seen one).
GB

 

[AlanB]

AlanB I read your entire trip report. Very well done. You used some terminology and acronyms that are obviously understood by experienced railfans but not me.

Please don't hesitate to ask me questions, either publicly or privately via Private Message, if you want to know.

Nevertheless, I got a good feel for the potential problems and delays that may be encountered. Now I realize that the 5.5 hours between 29's scheduled arrival at CUS and 7's (EB) departure could be trimmed down by delays between Washington DC and Chicago. And I will inform my party that we should not count on arriving at Seattle at the scheduled time. Lots of potential for delays along that 2 1/2 day trip. The NEC has kept almost impeccable schedules from our experience, but they don't share the tracks with freight trains (at least I've never seen one).

Yes, the odds are very good that you will make the connection, but they are also pretty good that you will be at least a little late.

Freight can be found on the NEC, but then it mostly only runs at night. Even then it is still at the mercy of the Amtrak dispatchers.

By the way I should have also mentioned that you guys get to take advantage of the Club Acela lounge in DC (well they do, you can't since you're in coach) and the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. These lounges are a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, conference rooms, computer terminals, newspapers, TV's, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

In DC the Club Acela Lounge is located behind the information kiosk, which is in the center of the waiting areas between gates D & E. There are two large wooden doors there, ring the bell to the right of the door and the attendant will let you in. Show your tickets and you’re in. They will escort you to your train when it’s time.

In Chicago the lounge is called the "Metropolitan Lounge". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

Note: They will make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, you cannot take them to your seat due to the crowded nature of the lounge. There is a redcap manning this room who will give you a claim check for your bags, such that you can claim them shortly before you board the train. One nice advantage of this is the fact that you can park your carryon bags here, while you wander around Chicago and do lunch, assuming that your trains arrive on time.

 

[GB Bari]

AlanB I read your entire trip report. Very well done. You used some terminology and acronyms that are obviously understood by experienced railfans but not me.

Please don't hesitate to ask me questions, either publicly or privately via Private Message, if you want to know.

Nevertheless, I got a good feel for the potential problems and delays that may be encountered. Now I realize that the 5.5 hours between 29's scheduled arrival at CUS and 7's (EB) departure could be trimmed down by delays between Washington DC and Chicago. And I will inform my party that we should not count on arriving at Seattle at the scheduled time. Lots of potential for delays along that 2 1/2 day trip. The NEC has kept almost impeccable schedules from our experience, but they don't share the tracks with freight trains (at least I've never seen one).

Yes, the odds are very good that you will make the connection, but they are also pretty good that you will be at least a little late.

Freight can be found on the NEC, but then it mostly only runs at night. Even then it is still at the mercy of the Amtrak dispatchers.

By the way I should have also mentioned that you guys get to take advantage of the Club Acela lounge in DC (well they do, you can't since you're in coach) and the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. These lounges are a nice quiet refuge in the often-bustling train station. They have nice plush chairs, conference rooms, computer terminals, newspapers, TV's, free soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea and clean safe bathrooms. They also allow you to board your train before the rest of the masses.

In DC the Club Acela Lounge is located behind the information kiosk, which is in the center of the waiting areas between gates D & E. There are two large wooden doors there, ring the bell to the right of the door and the attendant will let you in. Show your tickets and you’re in. They will escort you to your train when it’s time.

In Chicago the lounge is called the "Metropolitan Lounge". It is located on the lower level of Union Station, which is also the track level. If you are standing in front of the Amtrak ticket windows, then the Amtrak waiting area is to your left. When you enter the main Amtrak waiting area through a sliding glass door, just walk forward and slightly to the left. There should be another sliding glass door along with a sign, unless they've changed the entrance in the last few months. Again, just show your tickets and relax.

They'll also give you a card that contains the time that you need to return to the lounge by, in order to board the train and not miss it. If you do leave the lounge, take this card with you as it is also your pass for reentering the lounge. Just wave it at the attendants as you walk in and one will usually look up and acknowledge you and the card. Note the Chicago lounge can be very busy and it sometimes can be hard to get a seat, but you still get the free stuff and priority boarding.

Note: They will make you leave your carry-on bags in the luggage room inside the lounge, you cannot take them to your seat due to the crowded nature of the lounge. There is a redcap manning this room who will give you a claim check for your bags, such that you can claim them shortly before you board the train. One nice advantage of this is the fact that you can park your carryon bags here, while you wander around Chicago and do lunch, assuming that your trains arrive on time.

I think I have hijacked my own topic thread here but thanks very much for that information about Chicago. I don't think we will have much time in Washington Union Station as our connection from BWI (#125) arrives only 55 minutes before #29 scheduled departure. We will be most concerned about checking our heavy bags onto #29 in time to board the train early. I want to get a coach seat as close to my ladies' sleeper car as possible.

Speaking of checking bags do you have any experience with baggage handling on Amtrak? Due to the reason for the trip we will be taking more clothes than will fit in carryon luggage. Can we rely on our checked bags getting to Seattle the same time we do?

 

[AlanB]

I think I have hijacked my own topic thread here but thanks very much for that information about Chicago. I don't think we will have much time in Washington Union Station as our connection from BWI (#125) arrives only 55 minutes before #29 scheduled departure. We will be most concerned about checking our heavy bags onto #29 in time to board the train early. I want to get a coach seat as close to my ladies' sleeper car as possible.
Speaking of checking bags do you have any experience with baggage handling on Amtrak? Due to the reason for the trip we will be taking more clothes than will fit in carryon luggage. Can we rely on our checked bags getting to Seattle the same time we do?

Actually you should have 1 hour, 15 minutes if 125 is on time. This train is a guaranteed connection to the Capitol, so there are usually plenty of other people on board 125 who need to connect with the Capitol. If you find that 125 is running late by 30 minutes or more, do not try to check your bags as they probably won't make it onto the Capitol Limited.

My suggestion though would be to find a redcap as soon as possible upon your arrival into DC. He/she can not only handle checking the bags, but he might just slip you into the lounge with the ladies too. He might not, but it is possible. If they don't go to the lounge, they then will have to stand in the main boarding line, so I would still recommend that they go to the lounge. Obviously the choice is yours and theirs, but I'd say it's worthwhile.

By getting a redcap, he/she will also get you out to the train without waiting in the long line for boarding and get you a better choice of seats. But know that you may not be in the car closest to the sleepers. Passengers are boarded into cars based upon destination. So if they put all the Chicago passengers in the rear car, then you will not have any choice but to sit in the rear car. Even if you do get to sit in the car closest to the sleepers, know that the Sightseer Lounge car and the dining car will still seperate you from the sleepers.

I've personally never checked a bag with Amtrak, but they do have a better track record than the airlines. Of course they also handle far less luggage than the airlines, so that leaves less room for error. I'm not saying that bags haven't been lost or misdirected, but the odds are very good that your luggage will arrive with you in Seattle.

 

[frj1983]

Uhhhhhh,

Going back to the bathroom thing, my Wife and I always take a pack or two of those antibacterial handwipes with us on a trip, and upon entering the BR, I wipe off the toilet seat with one wipe and the handles on the sink faucet with another. Since beginning this a few years ago, my Wife feels more comfortable about using the BR. And like Everdaymatters, we always try to leave the BR as clean as possible after we use it!

 

[GG-1]

Uhhhhhh,
Going back to the bathroom thing, my Wife and I always take a pack or two of those antibacterial handwipes with us on a trip,

Aloha and I bet you have fewer colds as a benefit.

 

[Kaki]

I have reservations for my husband and myself in June. I have been reading this forum looking for answers to some of the questions asked/answered on this thread. I have a few additional questions.

We will be traveling roundtrip from Memphis to Chicago to Seattle. This will be my third train trip, the first roundtrip Detroit-Chicago-St. Louis in about 1965, the second was in 1989 roundtrip - Memphis-Chicago-Detroit.

I am curious about checked baggage. Does Amtrak take care of moving the bags when we get off the train in Chigago? Or do we need to pick them up and re-check them when we board the Empire Builder to Seattle?

If the train is not late coming into Chicago from Memphis there will be 5 hours before we leave for Seattle, is there anything interesting to see or do close to the station?

We will be traveling in a Roomette, Amtrak says there is room for 2 small duffel bags - is that REALLY all the room there is for bags? I have read that there is a baggage area in the car, is that the checked baggage or a storage place for carry on bags? Are those bags available during the trip?

 

[AlanB]

I am curious about checked baggage. Does Amtrak take care of moving the bags when we get off the train in Chigago? Or do we need to pick them up and re-check them when we board the Empire Builder to Seattle?

As long as you make sure to tell the clerk checking your bags in Memphis that you are traveling to Seattle, then he/she should ticket your bags accordingly (namly a tag with a code of SEA). In that case Amtrak will move the checked bags for you in Chicago. Note: The clerk/agent may want to see both the ticket to Chicago and the ticket to Seatle, so make sure that you have both at the ready.

If the train is not late coming into Chicago from Memphis there will be 5 hours before we leave for Seattle, is there anything interesting to see or do close to the station?

Lots of things to do in Chicago, including the famous Sears tower. But I'll leave it to others to regal the sights of Chicago. You should however know that upon arrival into Chicago, that you are entitled to use the Metropolitan lounge. See my directions posted earlier in this thread for directions to the lounge. You will be able to store any carryon bags inside the lounge, such that you won't need to carry them around Chicago with you.

We will be traveling in a Roomette, Amtrak says there is room for 2 small duffel bags - is that REALLY all the room there is for bags? I have read that there is a baggage area in the car, is that the checked baggage or a storage place for carry on bags? Are those bags available during the trip?

They had best be small bags, as there really isn't a whole lot of extra room in the roomette. That said, there is indeed a luggage area downstairs in the sleeping car, where larger carryon bags can be stored. This is not the checked baggage area, so bags placed in the rack by you are accessable by you at all times. Bags that you checked will not be seen by you for the entire trip.

 

[Steven B]

I have reservations for my husband and myself in June. I have been reading this forum looking for answers to some of the questions asked/answered on this thread. I have a few additional questions.
We will be traveling roundtrip from Memphis to Chicago to Seattle. This will be my third train trip, the first roundtrip Detroit-Chicago-St. Louis in about 1965, the second was in 1989 roundtrip - Memphis-Chicago-Detroit.

I am curious about checked baggage. Does Amtrak take care of moving the bags when we get off the train in Chigago? Or do we need to pick them up and re-check them when we board the Empire Builder to Seattle?

If the train is not late coming into Chicago from Memphis there will be 5 hours before we leave for Seattle, is there anything interesting to see or do close to the station?

We will be traveling in a Roomette, Amtrak says there is room for 2 small duffel bags - is that REALLY all the room there is for bags? I have read that there is a baggage area in the car, is that the checked baggage or a storage place for carry on bags? Are those bags available during the trip?

You can easily check bags through to your final destination. I've never had Amtrak lose any of my checked luggage, even with multiple transfers.

When you get to Chicago, go straight to the Metropolitan Lounge (exclusively for sleeping car passengers), where you can safely store your carry-on bags for the day. There's not a lot to do within easy walking distance of Union Station, but it's a pleasant area to walk around, with shopping and restaurants both in the train station and nearby. Your train probably won't arrive right on time, so you may not have that much time to kill in Chicago. The Metropolitan Lounge itself is comfortable, and is a much nicer place to wait for the connecting train than the main waiting areas. It offers snacks and drinks, clean bathrooms, and priority boarding for your next train. You'll need to show your sleeping car tickets to get in.

Amtrak's description of luggage storage in the roomette is fairly accurate. There is no real storage area inside the roomette, just one small shelf, and an even smaller closet. There is a storage area on the lower level of each sleeping car for extra carry-on bags, which is available during the trip (but not secured).

 

[VentureForth]

Some observations that I have made about checked luggage -

Someone's luggage going to Charlotte on my Palmetto ride last week actually lost... I was in Business Class which was right behind the luggage car. Someone left the door between the luggage car and the vestibule open. The haunted BC door kept opening and closing, so during the last hour of my ride (I was by myself in BC), I could see bags sliding side to side across the floor. That was until I closed it myself.

Baggage cars are pretty dirty and stuff is generally just thrown in there. Don't take your nicest suitcases!! Last year, an elderly lady getting off at Fullerton was completely appalled. This was the first time she ever used her brand new luggage, but (and I saw it, too) it looked like it had been around the world.

 

[Kaki]

Thank you for the information!!!!

I think I will unpack our bag and stuff the clothes, etc. into the little closet and wherever else there is some space then, put the empty bag in the luggage area (I can probably put a plastic bag around it to keep it clean). I usually pack our clothes in 2 gallon zip lock bags before I put them into a rolling case - picture a bunch of zip lock bags all over in a roomette

 

[AlanB]

Thank you for the information!!!! I think I will unpack our bag and stuff the clothes, etc. into the little closet and wherever else there is some space then, put the empty bag in the luggage area (I can probably put a plastic bag around it to keep it clean). I usually pack our clothes in 2 gallon zip lock bags before I put them into a rolling case - picture a bunch of zip lock bags all over in a roomette

I'll admit that Ventureforth's post was a bit confusing, but he was talking about checked luggage getting very dirty, not luggage in the downstairs luggage rack of the Superliner sleeping car. I'm not going to suggest that the luggage area in the sleeper car is immaculate, but unless you're traveling with a white suitcase, you should be just fine.

 

[Kaki]

No problem then, our black bags are well traveled!!!

 

[wkaemena]

Amtrak's description of luggage storage in the roomette is fairly accurate. There is no real storage area inside the roomette, just one small shelf, and an even smaller closet. There is a storage area on the lower level of each sleeping car for extra carry-on bags, which is available during the trip (but not secured).

I would slightly disagree with that statement. There is quite a lot of space under the seats/ bed for a lot of stuff. And the lower part of the "coat area" is capable to store lots of small stuff too. Best packed in small bags, but even my 17" big computer bag and a very large photo bag could be stored easily, as well as shoes and a lot of stuff. But sure you can leave a suitcase in the luggage rack and access it when required especially on a multi night trip.

See here the roomette during day, as you would be there yourself

in Quicktime

or in Flash (9)

 

[Steven B]

Amtrak's description of luggage storage in the roomette is fairly accurate. There is no real storage area inside the roomette, just one small shelf, and an even smaller closet. There is a storage area on the lower level of each sleeping car for extra carry-on bags, which is available during the trip (but not secured).

I would slightly disagree with that statement. There is quite a lot of space under the seats/ bed for a lot of stuff. And the lower part of the "coat area" is capable to store lots of small stuff too. Best packed in small bags, but even my 17" big computer bag and a very large photo bag could be stored easily, as well as shoes and a lot of stuff. But sure you can leave a suitcase in the luggage rack and access it when required especially on a multi night trip.

See here the roomette during day, as you would be there yourself

in Quicktime

or in Flash (9)

You're right; I forgot about the possibility of under-seat storage. For one person, the roomettes actually have plenty of storage space.

However, I do think that with two people in a roomette, it's usually better to store as much as possible in the downstairs luggage area. The roomettes are cramped enough without having to deal with bags and suitcases.

I usually keep my laptop and a small overnight bag in the roomette if I'm travelling with someone else. When I'm by myself, I just put my suitcase on the empty seat.