Recent content by ccacioppo

Well put. I would be one of those 'commuters' living near Tampa and working in Lakeland. I would love to be able to take the train but this is not an option on Amtrak today. Having come from NJ Transit terrority, near-on time performance is absolutely vital for commuter rail ops. So I agree...

Thanks for the link AlanB for the new info on the 'hispeed rail saga' here in FL. Regardless of the past political dealings on the issue, the voter's spoke and laid it to rest. I think it will be VERY difficult to bring this project to reality. Not being an expert, I will guess that the NEC...

Hey floridaguy, I think it was back in 2005, we'all had the chance here in FL to vote on the high speed rail amendment AlanB mentioned. It was a 'nice to have' project when originally introduced in 2000 but the economics of the day prevailed. (Think the figure was 20Billion $$ for the system...

Hello, as matter of note: if you where to stand on the platform at LAK and continue on parallel to the tracks past a row of businesses, Crispers! is still 2 blocks from the station. My employer (publix)runs Crispers and many folks here enjoy it too.

Hey Railbender ! The TPA station is still in very good shape as noted in the posts you have seen here. The Silver Star #91/92 is my train of choice when I travel from here. (But I also split my time in Lakeland (LAK) and have left from here LAK, direct from work. LAK is 3 blks away). Its great...

This does not cover sleeper but coach seating. A recent experience online: During an online booking session last year (nov 2006), I tried to book 4 coach seats on the Silver Star (LAK - NWK) 91/92 roundtrip in Dec 2006. Over a 2 week period, I checked the fare, twice per day (morning and...

Plastic dishes and Paper linens in this case. CC

I recently completed travel on #91 and 92, twice Dec 2006. On #91, we met a retired couple enroute to MIA from NYP. I was getting out at LAK (which is lunchtime 11:40AM) and recalled the conversation with them having ' a few more hrs to get to Miami and needing get something now from the...

....I know I need a trip when-- its been 14 years since my last time on Amtrak and the wife wants to see momsy back in NJ. I get to take that trip next week, 12/21/2006 from LAK to NWK and back. WOOHOO ! CC

:lol: Hey, I hail these days from Tampa, Florida. (TPA) and work 3 blocks from the Lakeland, FL Amtrak station (LAK/LKL). Originally grew up and worked in Northern NJ as an IT guy, moved to FL in 2004. Work in LAK in a great IT shop and get to railfan Amtrak and CSX during lunch and commute...

Thanks AlanB ! Charlie

Hello All ! Its' great to have found this forum in the great mass of info. out here!! Since doing some research and reading the posts here in the forum, I have booked a trip on the Silver Star 92, 91 from LAK to NWK, round trip. Have not travelled by train in 14 years and really am looking...

Rick, Thanks for a great report. I also enjoyed your recount of the Silver Star back in Sept. I am booked on the Silver Star 12/21 from LAK (Lakeland, FL) to NWK (and 12/30) NWK to LAK) with my family of 4. (Wife and 2 grown kids). Looking forward to the trip and your reports (and the forum)...