Why No Business Class On San Joaquin

[rickycourtney]

The new Sumitomo third generation bi-level intercity cars will use track mounted seats. The business class self service drink station "module" would be mounted into that seat track. The tracks will also allow Amtrak/Caltrans to adjust the legroom by sliding the seats around. The overhead reading lights which will also be track mounted. These cars could be a inexpensive way to "test" business class on the San Joaquin in the future.

 

[PeterKsfo]

Does Amtrak offer any special benfits to connecting business class/sleeper passengers on the SJ since it is all coach? Typically if connecting from a sleeper to a train without, the ticket allows for a business class seat.

I was recently on the Southwest Chief intending to connect to the Coast Starlight, but misconnected due to a delay, and rerouted onto the bus to SJ train up to Martinez to reconnect to the CS the rest of the way to Seattle.

I didn't think to ask if they would offer any free snack or beverage, but perhaps should have.

 

[rickycourtney]

Does Amtrak offer any special benfits to connecting business class/sleeper passengers on the SJ since it is all coach? Typically if connecting from a sleeper to a train without, the ticket allows for a business class seat.

I was recently on the Southwest Chief intending to connect to the Coast Starlight, but misconnected due to a delay, and rerouted onto the bus to SJ train up to Martinez to reconnect to the CS the rest of the way to Seattle.

I didn't think to ask if they would offer any free snack or beverage, but perhaps should have.

I think you're talking about Amtrak Guest Rewards point redemption trip since paying passengers choose the level of service they want on each leg of their trip.

Short answer: no. On routes that only have coach, you just get a seat. Considering the recent cutbacks I wouldn't expect any free snacks or drinks anytime soon.

 

[Paulus]

Does Amtrak offer any special benfits to connecting business class/sleeper passengers on the SJ since it is all coach? Typically if connecting from a sleeper to a train without, the ticket allows for a business class seat.

I was recently on the Southwest Chief intending to connect to the Coast Starlight, but misconnected due to a delay, and rerouted onto the bus to SJ train up to Martinez to reconnect to the CS the rest of the way to Seattle.

I didn't think to ask if they would offer any free snack or beverage, but perhaps should have.

I think you're talking about Amtrak Guest Rewards point redemption trip since paying passengers choose the level of service they want on each leg of their trip.

Short answer: no. On routes that only have coach, you just get a seat. Considering the recent cutbacks I wouldn't expect any free snacks or drinks anytime soon.

Amtrak is just a hired contractor for the San Joaquins, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (and before them, Caltrans) makes the decisions as to what levels of service will be provided.