Are you referring to me and what I said about the prices?
Here is my math... correct me if I am wrong. VIA is simply hands down the better deal when it comes to a long-distance train ride.
A "Cabin For Two" on the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver (4 nights) with a departure date of 11/1/16 (randomly picked) is $3,695.89CDN for two people. Using today's exchange rate of 0.73 -- that equals $2,697.99USD. You get FOUR NIGHTS on the train with that trip... so your per night cost for the Canadian is $674.49.
A "Bedroom" on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville (2 nights) with a random departure date of 11/4/16 (randomly picked in the same week) is $1,472.00USD for two people. You get TWO NIGHTS on the train with that trip... so your per night cost for the California Zephyr is $736.00USD.
Even if the quality of the train equipment and service was equal... the Canadian is a better deal per night!
AND... It's hardly an exaggeration that SOMETIMES a 2 night ride on Amtrak can cost as much as 4 night ride on VIA.
Often times in November, you can get a ride on the Canadian upto 50% off. If you take the regular price above $3,695.89CDN --- and apply a 50% discount --- that comes out to $1,847.94CDN. Then, run that through today's current exchange rate of 0.73 --- and that 4 nights in a "Bedroom for Two" on VIA with the sale price comes out to $1,349.00USD.
THAT price would be cheaper than the $1,472 Bedroom on the Zephyr --- would it not????
Again, if my math shows an error -- then please point it out.
Even if the train equipment and level of service was equal -- often times VIA is now the better deal -- especially cost per night spent on the train. And I don't think there is one person out there who could really say they would prefer a long distance ride on VIA in sleeper class over a long distance ride in Amtrak in sleeper class.
I do like Amtrak and have been a staunch defender of it on this forum for over 10 years -- and have done atleast one long-distance Amtrak trip for the past 36 years in a row. But, I am also not one to keep my mouth shut. I am very disappointed with what happened with AGR 2.0. I understand some changes had to be made and previous earning and redemption was maybe a tad too generous and too much in some passengers favors. However, I also don't think that some route pairs should have received over an 80% cut in points earned. (EX: Hiawatha from Chicago to Glenview --- 100 points under AGR1.0 --- to just 18 points under AGR2.0) But, like I said -- Amtrak had to do what was "best" for it -- and then we'll do what is "best" for us too -- which is ride less. Us riding Amtrak about 200x per year less than before probably won't even be noticed and management probably won't even car... so be it...
