STL-CDL Thruway Service

[Eric S]

Has anyone ever ridden the Amtrak Thruway connection between St. Louis and Carbondale? A friend of mine will likely be taking it to connect with the City of New Orleans and I wanted to be able to tell him what to expect. What type of vehicle is used (bus, van)? Is it a dedicated Amtrak connection, or a regular route open to non-Amtrak passengers as well?

Thanks

 

[NativeSon5859]

It's a van, and it's Amtrak dedicated.

 

[coachseats]

I took it from Carbondale to St. Louis a few years ago. It was a 15 passenger van and waits for the train, so no connection worries. Very friendly and helpful driver, direct non-stop service station to station. I'm sure it was just a quirk for that particular van, but I very distinctly remember it being the single most bumpy car ride I have ever had. Must have had a bad suspension.