Acela150
Super Buff
Depending on time long or no wait.. I waited the first time for 20 mins for 2 sodas. The second time for a hat I was served instantly...
Amtrak Fall Foliage trips out of Philly
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I waited about 5 minutes in line in the first cafe for my refrigerator magnet. We were in the front portion of mid train and the PA system was not working well in our car, which is my only complaint.
acelafan
Conductor
Trip was AMAZING. Came up from Atlanta and hoteled in PHL & near BWI. Staff was excellent, everyone was in a good mood, lunch was great. Best $89 fare I've ever spent on Amtrak. I hope they do it again...think they will.
There isn't a bad seat in the house (windows even seemed clean) but I might tip my preference to the left side of the train if I had a chance.
Really worth the effort to get on this trip!
There isn't a bad seat in the house (windows even seemed clean) but I might tip my preference to the left side of the train if I had a chance.
Really worth the effort to get on this trip!
I arrived at the station before 7am and loosely got in line around 7. The official line started about 7:30 and they started boarding a little after 8. The boarding process was organized and civilized, much to my surprise. I hope you have a great time. I would not worry about arriving at 8am.
Anyone get a picture of that big harvest MOON on the right side if the train? 
benjibear
Conductor
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- 1,078
I can't believe people were lining up at 7 and I am surprised that Amtrak started to board at 8. I am somewhat disappointed I wasn't able to go but a long day trip and living quite far away from the boarding made it difficult to justify my time especially I am swamped with a deadline at work. I am really surprised all the people that traveled great distances to come. I doubt I would have traveled far just to ride a route I have never been on before. The reason I wanted to do this trip was the train was coming into my area. Maybe in 30 years when I am retired and have nothing else to do, they will have similar trips.
Acela150
Super Buff
I believed it, and I'm not surprised.
Keep in mind that their were a ton of people on the train. Boarding started around 815. Worked perfectly.
It was very orderly, but took some time to get everyone boarded. There were plenty of good seats available for those who boarded later. Although it was announced that they would start boarding at 8, general boarding did not start until about 8:10. There was a group of about 50 that pre-boarded.
Acela150
Super Buff
FreeskierInVT
Lead Service Attendant
I'll be arriving at 8:20 from NYP. Did they have a vegetarian option for lunch?
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For the first 1/4 to 1/3 of the trip, most of the views were on the left, then the rest of the way most of the views were on the right.
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2009
- Messages
- 403
I overheard someone mention a vegetarian request but did not stick around to confirm whether they had one.
There was a vegetarian option but do not know what it was.
This trip was my first ride on Amtrak in several years. I must say, I totally enjoyed the experience, from my online purchase, upon hearing of the train on this board, until reluctantly leaving the train at the conclusion.
The boarding of all those passengers was well organized, and proceeded very civilly. The equipment was spotless, and other than the few glitches with the P.A. system, was very nice. It was my first time in an Amfleet I, since they were remodeled inside, with the new restrooms, and new ceiling coverings. I forgot how comfortable those seats were.
The Conductor was an outstanding representative of his profession, obviously taking great pride in the performance of his job. Besides walking the train to make announcements when the PA malfunctioned, he stopped a few times to greet each passenger, asking how everything was. And at the end of the trip, walked thru again and thanked everyone for riding, asking us to come back again for next year's trip. His assistant was also friendly and professional. And the employee volunteers, who acted as train attendants were also very enthusiastic. They came thru and brought us our lunches in the souvenir bags, which were nice. They are a canvas like material tote, with a foil lining, a zipper closure, with an outside flap. They are black, with white script: Autumn Express Inaugural, below is profile of a train on the Rockville bridge, under which is: Rockville Bridge-Shocks Mill Bridge-Enola Yard. Under that is the Amtrak logo, followed by: Enjoy the journey. The volunteers came thru the car several times collecting trash. The lunch which was described earlier, was delicious. I especially like the fact that the condiments were separate, so that you only put the mustard and mayo on if you wanted them.
I would agree that it is slightly better to sit on the left side for most of the river viewing. But the passengers were all in a festive mood, and no one seemed to mind if other's would occasionally lean over them to get a view from the opposite side. I might add that most of the passengers were railfans, many very knowledgeable about the route and history. Many were armed with maps, timetables, charts, all the electronic toys, etc.
I was in the first car, and had a nice left side window seat, The aisle seat next to me, and the one opposite me were empty! I had my phone plugged in, and followed along on
the Verizon Navigator. I was not able to connect to the car's wifi for some reason, but the 4G coverage worked most of the way.
Our employee volunteer told us she was in on the planning for this trip, which started about eight month's ago. She said she heard very good feedback and also gave us a website to answer a survey about our trip. She said after they review the trip, they will start planning next year's, and that yes, they are considering other routes around the country as well. I think the trip ran very well. There were no delays, such as waiting for NS crew. The NS seemed to handle us well. Their conductor seemed to enjoy his diversion from the usual job, as he walked thru the train.
I agree that the trip was a very successful one, and money well spent.
The boarding of all those passengers was well organized, and proceeded very civilly. The equipment was spotless, and other than the few glitches with the P.A. system, was very nice. It was my first time in an Amfleet I, since they were remodeled inside, with the new restrooms, and new ceiling coverings. I forgot how comfortable those seats were.
The Conductor was an outstanding representative of his profession, obviously taking great pride in the performance of his job. Besides walking the train to make announcements when the PA malfunctioned, he stopped a few times to greet each passenger, asking how everything was. And at the end of the trip, walked thru again and thanked everyone for riding, asking us to come back again for next year's trip. His assistant was also friendly and professional. And the employee volunteers, who acted as train attendants were also very enthusiastic. They came thru and brought us our lunches in the souvenir bags, which were nice. They are a canvas like material tote, with a foil lining, a zipper closure, with an outside flap. They are black, with white script: Autumn Express Inaugural, below is profile of a train on the Rockville bridge, under which is: Rockville Bridge-Shocks Mill Bridge-Enola Yard. Under that is the Amtrak logo, followed by: Enjoy the journey. The volunteers came thru the car several times collecting trash. The lunch which was described earlier, was delicious. I especially like the fact that the condiments were separate, so that you only put the mustard and mayo on if you wanted them.
I would agree that it is slightly better to sit on the left side for most of the river viewing. But the passengers were all in a festive mood, and no one seemed to mind if other's would occasionally lean over them to get a view from the opposite side. I might add that most of the passengers were railfans, many very knowledgeable about the route and history. Many were armed with maps, timetables, charts, all the electronic toys, etc.
I was in the first car, and had a nice left side window seat, The aisle seat next to me, and the one opposite me were empty! I had my phone plugged in, and followed along on
the Verizon Navigator. I was not able to connect to the car's wifi for some reason, but the 4G coverage worked most of the way.
Our employee volunteer told us she was in on the planning for this trip, which started about eight month's ago. She said she heard very good feedback and also gave us a website to answer a survey about our trip. She said after they review the trip, they will start planning next year's, and that yes, they are considering other routes around the country as well. I think the trip ran very well. There were no delays, such as waiting for NS crew. The NS seemed to handle us well. Their conductor seemed to enjoy his diversion from the usual job, as he walked thru the train.
I agree that the trip was a very successful one, and money well spent.
FreeskierInVT
Lead Service Attendant
On my way to Philly! LIRR is running on time so far, departed Stony Brook right at 4:53. Gearing up for a great day.
I am a Floridian who does not get to see Fall colors very often. I thought the colors were magnificent. Enjoy your trip and report back.Wow, even the weeds on the New Jersey
swamps are changing colors. I'll take that as a good omen
rrdude
Engineer
The way that the MSU Spartans manhandled my beloved Wolverines, I wish I HAD opted to use my ticket instead.
Surprisingly, it sounded like the "foam factor" was even kept in check.... 'Course Davey Crocket wasn't on board......
Surprisingly, it sounded like the "foam factor" was even kept in check.... 'Course Davey Crocket wasn't on board......
three people are on the same reservation. I forwarded the e ticket to my companions who are already there. can we use the e ticket separately? they show the code to the conductor and board, then I show up ten min later and do the same ?
We showed tickets at the gate as we were boarding, but did not get scanned until later when the conductor went through the train.
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