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I think the question is not whether Amtrak can be privatized but rather what they will attempt to do to Amtrak funding once they realize that it cannot be privatized.

As some in the group may recall, there was a way for Lake Shore passengers to and from Boston to have checked baggage service for a time after the checked baggage service ended on the Boston section of the Lake Shore in January 2019. It was not particularly useful for most passengers and I...

Checked baggage service on the Boston section of the Lake Shore (448 and 449) was discontinued effective January 7, 2019 and the baggage car was removed at that time. I believe checked baggage service on the overnight Boston - DC trains lasted a bit longer.

The Lake Shore connects the major metropolitan areas of Boston, New York and Chicago. It ought to be run as the premier train in the Amtrak system. It ought to have superior amenities. But it doesn't and the Boston section in particular gets no respect.

I understand that 448 on April 6 has been cancelled with a bustitution offered.

I understand from another list that 449 has been cancelled on May 1 with no explanation yet and apparently no bustitution. If it is due to trackwork I imagine that a number of other dates will also see 448 and 449 being cancelled. Corrections and additional information would be welcome.

I don't think the number of seats in the dome vs. the number of Prestige passengers is the real issue. I have noticed that in the Park car dome and in the Skyline dome people are reluctant to sit beside strangers. When many people go to the dome they will stay in the dome only if they can find...

There has been a recent policy change on the Canadian regarding Park car access. During the peak season, access to the Park car dome will be exclusively for Prestige class passengers at ALL times. Sleeper Plus passengers will have access to the lower level of the Park car between 5 p.m. and 11...

You are correct that there has not, as far as I know, ever been any written announcement by Amtrak that traditional dining was going to be restored to the Lake Shore. However it is my understanding that Amtrak management has stated in discussions with RPA as far back as 2023 that the Lake Shore...

The return of the Sightseer Lounge to the Texas Eagle will certainly be welcome but I will hold off celebrating until I see confirmation that it has actually happened. I am still waiting for the promised return of traditional dining to the Lake Shore. It has been so long that I can't remember...

My observation has always been that whenever one of these events occurs on Amtrak, it is like the first time it has ever happened. Maybe Amtrak has a plan of what to do when a dining car runs out of food en route but if so, I have yet to see a demonstration of it, except to call KFC or Pizza Hut.

Thanks for posting that video link. It was interesting to see that the dining car ran out of food at Whitefish at a time when the train was stopped for hours at Whitefish. There are large supermarkets in Whitefish and I assume with all of the restaurants in the area, it is also served by some...

It appears that 5(19( has been cancelled. Corrections and additional information would be welcome.

It appears that 7/27(17) have been cancelled. Corrections or additional information would be welcome.

My wife and I tried the quiet car on our first Acela trip a few years ago between Boston and DC. I assume it must vary from one crew to another but on that trip it was strictly enforced. Passengers were told to speak only at a whisper level and there was certainly no cell phone use. My wife...

Link to BNSF Grizzly Bear Conservation plan on Empire Builder route. Reduction in train speed not proposed: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/02/14/bnsf-completes-long-awaited-conservation-plan-to-offset-train-killed-grizzly-bears/

There was a fatal shooting at the Union Station parking garage this past Monday, Feb. 10. I have not seen an update indicating that an arrest has been made: https://www.fox5dc.com/news/shooting-reported-union-station-police-investigating

The undesirable passenger. Link to an article in the Kalispell Daily Interlake: https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2025/feb/05/washington-man-pulled-of-amtrak-train-in-libby-pleads-guilty-to-federal-gun-charges/

According to information on another list, a BNSF locomotive was added and the train departed 3-1/2 hours late. The train 5(4) now seems to be 6 hours 51 minutes late approaching Elko, according to the Amtrak train tracker.

That is probably true and that is why we liked the place very much. It is a short walk from Jack London Square.