I'm in the single level camp. Amtrak should have one car body for its entire fleet, save for specific high speed trainsets or what have you. I'm generally anti stairs on trains. Level boarding when possible, if freight trains access platforms then build gauntlet tracks or have auto stairs come...
I always eat at my seat on Acela even if a stool is open. When the train is going at speed my motion sickness can't handle the world going by that fast looking out the side window like that lol, need to be facing forward.
I think it reflects the dysfunction surrounding passenger rail in this country that the powers that be can't get something so simple right.
I'm still beside myself at the new viewliner scheme being different from the existing rolling stock lol.
Yes, the exception are some NEC trains and obviously Acelas.
But what happens when they throw a baggage car or other Viewliner on the consist? I realize this isn't a big deal lol just triggers my OCD lol.
I've accepted that Amtrak will never have uniform consists with respect to livery. In my opinion, it looks unprofessional and reflects a lack of direction, but whatever.
As others have said it should be 3:30, just bad scheduling/padding. Obviously Metro North tracks are the issue, even modest speed increases through that stretch would be beneficial.
As for driving, it's about the same assuming no traffic. You'd be lucky to make it in 4:30 driving on a Friday...