Last minute ride to STL 9/3/22 on 319 and 306

I booked this trip this morning using some AGR points. The booking process was quick and easy on the app. I’m doing BC on 306 for a change of pace.

I parked in the new Amtrak garage at 9 am. I walked over to the station and on the way discovered I would need to use the bathroom. I opted for the lounge since I’m select plus. I had misplaced my card so the app displaying my star made the lounge check in easy. The agent was polite. He informed me the train was boarding on track 24.

I got to track 24 and there was an Amtrak police officer with a dog. He asked where I was going and when I explained St. Louis he sent me on my way. Another professional positive interaction.

The third occurred when I got to the first open door of the train and was politely greeted by the conductor. I boarded a venture car using the handrail. I could not detect the modifications that were made. The steps themselves are more like regular steps then those on older equipment.

The bathroom did not have an out of order sign when I passed it. And I was pleased to locate a forward facing window seat on the left side. And it’s clean. AC is functioning.

We made it through the gauntlet. 3 minutes late out of Joliet.

We were 17 minutes late into Pontiac after meeting 302. Now 40 minutes late after meeting a late 22.

Departed Alton 30 minutes late. With padding wil be 15 minutes late into STL.

We arrive St. Louis. 318 and 319 were in the station. Both had 2 baggage cars. The set of equipment for the 301 306 turn we’re on a middle track.

306 departed St. Louis on time. The am fleet bC car rides rough. The seat does not support my neck and head as well as the venture car seats. After 1 hour twenty minutes my neck is stiff and sore.

I had a seat mate on the other train. My first on a venture car. I’m 5’11 285. So I’m not skinny. The lady sitting next to me was pleasant. But she was not exactly a size 3 or what ever size those models wear. We didn’t bump shoulders or arms once.

Sounds like one of the better reviews of the new coaches.

Best shots leaving St. Louis. The. new cars ride getter and are quieter. The bathrooms remain cleaner and dry not smell like the amfleet bathrooms. This nights ride in BC will most likely be my last ride on amfleet by choice.

We arrived 30 minutes early into Joliet. Sat and the left Summit on time. Made through all the junctions and should arrive 20 minutes early.

Did you do any sightseeing in STL?

Everydaymatters said:

Did you do any sightseeing in STL?

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I've always liked St Louis and have fond Memories of the Gathering in 2010!

Bob Dylan said:

I've always liked St Louis and have fond Memories of the Gathering in 2010!

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That seems so long ago. Yes, very nice memories.

Everydaymatters said:

Did you do any sightseeing in STL?

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I just had lunch. I was only there for about 2 hours 30 minutes.