We all know Amtrak has funding issues, but the sad fact is Amtrak is not using the resources it has for optimum scheduling, even in its pride and joy, the Northeast Corridor. Consider these examples:
1. Philadelphia- New York on a weekday morning. Considering the still normal time to start a work day is 8AM (which granted, is changing more and more), trains arrive at 6:40 (too early), 7:22 (not bad, but a bit early), and 8:15 (too late). An arrival between 7:22 and 8:15 would be perfect.
2. Sunday Evenings (a very busy intercity travel time): An Acela Express leaves Washington DC at 5:00PM, then inexplicably there is no departure until 8PM! Having trains at 6 and 7 would surely be sellouts every Sunday, even at premium express fares. To make things more frustrating, Amtrak DOES get it right southbound, with NYP departures every hour from 3 to 8.
3. New York-Albany on weekdays: Mornings southbound are good, but northbound there's a 4:40, 5:47, and a 7:15. How about a 6:30? Also a problem is Albany to New York in the evening (except Sunday) when 7:15 is the last departure, and both the 6:15 and 7:15 are coming from Canada which are subject to frequent delays. An 8PM "clean up" would be perfect!
Granted, most parts of the country would envy this level of service, and of course you can't please everybody, but does anyone think I have a point here? I'm sure there are other scheduling opportunities in the Northeast or Nationwide that could be implemented at little to no additional cost.
1. Philadelphia- New York on a weekday morning. Considering the still normal time to start a work day is 8AM (which granted, is changing more and more), trains arrive at 6:40 (too early), 7:22 (not bad, but a bit early), and 8:15 (too late). An arrival between 7:22 and 8:15 would be perfect.
2. Sunday Evenings (a very busy intercity travel time): An Acela Express leaves Washington DC at 5:00PM, then inexplicably there is no departure until 8PM! Having trains at 6 and 7 would surely be sellouts every Sunday, even at premium express fares. To make things more frustrating, Amtrak DOES get it right southbound, with NYP departures every hour from 3 to 8.
3. New York-Albany on weekdays: Mornings southbound are good, but northbound there's a 4:40, 5:47, and a 7:15. How about a 6:30? Also a problem is Albany to New York in the evening (except Sunday) when 7:15 is the last departure, and both the 6:15 and 7:15 are coming from Canada which are subject to frequent delays. An 8PM "clean up" would be perfect!
Granted, most parts of the country would envy this level of service, and of course you can't please everybody, but does anyone think I have a point here? I'm sure there are other scheduling opportunities in the Northeast or Nationwide that could be implemented at little to no additional cost.