Palmetto Vs. Carolinian Vs. Regional

[Anderson]

Do the onboard accommodations (i.e. the seat types, etc.) differ between the Carolinian and/or the Palmetto and the "boilerplate" Regionals? I know the Palmetto used to have 2-1 seating in BC, for example, but does it still? And does BC on the Palmetto include more than just the lone half-can of soda?

 

[rrdude]

Do the onboard accommodations (i.e. the seat types, etc.) differ between the Carolinian and/or the Palmetto and the "boilerplate" Regionals? Sadly, not any more. I know the Palmetto used to have 2-1 seating in BC, for example, but does it still? Not when I rode two weeks ago. And does BC on the Palmetto include more than just the lone half-can of soda? They had newspapers too........

 

[Anderson]

Do the onboard accommodations (i.e. the seat types, etc.) differ between the Carolinian and/or the Palmetto and the "boilerplate" Regionals? Sadly, not any more. I know the Palmetto used to have 2-1 seating in BC, for example, but does it still? Not when I rode two weeks ago. And does BC on the Palmetto include more than just the lone half-can of soda? They had newspapers too........

Coach definitely wins, then.

 

[TVRM610]

The Carolinian runs with Amfleet Equipment (all I's I think), the Piedmont runs with state owned "heritage" equipment. So there is a difference between the two as far as the coaches go. I can't comment on the BC on either.

 

[battalion51]

TVRM, he was asking about the Palmetto, not the Piedmont. The Palmetto bug still has Amfleet II coaches with Amfleet I cafe/BC AFAIK, but the Carolinian and Regionals are all Amfleet I all the time. The argument for BC (besides the can soda and newspaper) is that you are FAR less likely to have a seatmate in BC. So if you're traveling alone I'd highly recommend taking the BC option for a couple of bucks more. If you have a companion, you should be ok in coach, but the smell/noise factor is likelier to be higher. Also don't forget that both the Carolinian and Palmetto bug both have the checked baggage option, whereas 66/67 are the only Regional providing that service.

 

[Acela150]

Battalion, the Palmetto and Penny have not had the Half Cafe/BC since October or September and now runs with the full BC.

 

[rrdude]

Anderson, I've had the opp to take the Carolinian, Palmetto, and Regionals more than I'd like the last thirty days, and I have to agree with the other poster, EVEN THOUGH THE BC 2-1 SEATING IS "GONE", I'd still spring for the BC, because these trains are running VERY, VERY FULL.

 

[TVRM610]

TVRM, he was asking about the Palmetto, not the Piedmont.

Well that was silly of me... I guess I had Carolina on the brain!

 

[battalion51]

Battalion, the Palmetto and Penny have not had the Half Cafe/BC since October or September and now runs with the full BC.

My bad. Only train I get to see on a quasi regular basis these days is the Crescent. Not too much Amtrak variety in and around my fair city.