Recent content by TransAtlantic

Most trains have some signage - especially in and around the restrooms - in braille on the train walls and doors.

The Silver Laria is not a "private Amtrak railcar"! It's a private railcar that Amtrak hauls...

I don't know, I think a steak dinner is pretty decent, regardless of whether it's served on China or plastic; and as far as seating, if they convert to a diner/lounge, that will allow singles and pairs to dine alone. But really, isn't part of taking the train the communal experience? Sharing...

Met Karen Black - yes, the Airport/Trilogy of Terror/Come Back to the 5 and Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean Karen Black - on the Pacific Surfliner from Oceanside a few weeks ago...

A couple of points: The increase in passenger traffic on Amtrak recently (double-digit) should be able to make up the difference in fuel costs, since (as noted before) they are relatively less than on other modes of transport on a per-passenger basis. And, unlike airlines, fuel represents only...

You can, but as a sleeper passenger your meals will be included, so you won't need much beyond an occasional snack (and FYI, your personal booze stash has to stay in your room with you)

Mr. Kummant has promised - and upheld - his commitment to retaining the long-haul trains, while improving the shorter-distance trains - thumbs up all around, at least as far as his own performance!

They've had the breakfast room shut down more than once by the health department, for various reasons, including vermin infestation - and I've stayed there probably a total of 80 days over 4 years (I work for "a certain transportation provider"), so believe me, there are plenty of little creepy...

DO NOT count on there being a kiddie car! At least 3 of them have already been replaced with "arcade room" cars (coin-op video games), though of course, they're sitting in the 7th St. yard right now....

If you're on a long-haul train and boarding at an unstaffed station, they should have your tickets available onboard (of course, these are all-reserved trains); if it's a train like a Surfliner or Capitol Corridor, you will need to pick up your ticket at some staffed station ASAP - otherwise...

ample evidence of roaches, occasional rodent sightings (not entirely their fault - some of the businesses on the rear of the building are filthy); no smoking, but you'd never know it from the smells - the only real advantage is that the bathrooms are large, but there's nothing to them other than...

Actually, the Metro Plaza is kind of a dump - VERY little attention paid to more than minimum standards in motel-keeping. Check out the former New Otani (has a new name, just google it), or the Bonaventure, the Marriott on Figueroa, the Standard, or the Hilton Checkers - all are just a quick...

BZZZ!!! Wrong! The seats do recline! But not nearly as much as those in Superliners, and they're much closer together, and a little narrower - 3-4 hours is about max. time for most people on a Surfliner. Also, fewer restrooms per passenger on a Surfliner.

It's all Surfliner equipment (and L.A. Union Station), EXCEPT for the inside of the cab...nothing looks like that west of the Mississippi!!

I have to disagree with GG-1; I have been on the SWC a few times since the restoration of the menu - it's actually BETTER than it was two years ago before the cuts in the menu. OK, so they're still using plastic (though it's been said that even the china and glass will be coming back), but...