Train Travel

[Howell]

I'm going to be traveling from Seattle to Portland at the end of next month and have chosen to go by train. It'll either be the Amtrak Cascades or the Coast Starlight.

I'm leaning toward the Cascades and the $13 upgrade to business class.

 

[jtr1962]

Of the two the Cascades has the better schedule by roughly 90 minutes, probably due to lighter equipment/shorter trains. The upgrade to business class results in more comfortable seating and the other mentioned amenities. It looks like both use the same route, at least from Seattle to Portland. Whichever train you choose, it should be an interesting experience. I don't know anything about the on-time performance of either train, but over 187 miles I don't think they would fall more than an hour or two behind schedule.

BTW, have you ever ridden Amtrak in the past? I know I've been critical of their services outside of the Northeast, but if you think of an Amtrak train trip as taking the scenic route as opposed to fast, efficient European/Japanese style transportation then I suppose they fill that role fairly well. Should be lots to see on a Pacific northwest route, much more so than the Amtrak trips I took through New Jersey.

 

[ddrueding]

I've ridden the Coast Starlight many times. It used to be my monthly trip home to see my parents, and lately I've taken it from San Jose to LA a couple of times for Disneyland/Las Vegas vacations. The only downside is the once a day schedule, if it isn't convenient, it doesn't make sense. How long is that trip?

 

[ddrueding]

Once, riding from Oakland to Salinas (70 minute trip with one stop), the train was 7 hours late getting to Oakland and took 150 minutes to complete the trip. Apparently it had engine problems in southern Oregon and the replacement engine was in Santa Barbara.

Moral? A train is more likely to be on time the closer you are boarding to it's origin.

 

[mubs]

It used to be my monthly trip home to see my parents, and lately I've taken it from San Jose to LA a couple of times for Disneyland/Las Vegas vacations.

And you never bothered to look me up (and Buck)?

 

[mubs]

We once rode from Los Angeles to Chicago (1990, so I didn't know anybody in Chicago I could look up) by Amtrak. It was horribly boring - we went through Texas and New Mexico and then the route slowly swing northwards. All through Texas and NM, there was nothing to see but scrub and in NM what looked like black volcanic rocks. We cried a lot (O, the misery), because we were expecting to "see" the country that way.

I hear the West/East run along the Canadian border is outta this world. Unfortunately didn't get to do it.

 

[Howell]

Of the two the Cascades has the better schedule by roughly 90 minutes, probably due to lighter equipment/shorter trains. The upgrade to business class results in more comfortable seating and the other mentioned amenities. It looks like both use the same route, at least from Seattle to Portland. Whichever train you choose, it should be an interesting experience. I don't know anything about the on-time performance of either train, but over 187 miles I don't think they would fall more than an hour or two behind schedule.

The schedule has the Starlight at only ~30min slower than the Cascades. I did wonder why. For my purposes, the Starlight has a dining car. That's the difference. You'll find me in the lounge anyway. I wonder what time of day I should travel for the greatest people density?

BTW, have you ever ridden Amtrak in the past? I know I've been critical of their services outside of the Northeast, but if you think of an Amtrak train trip as taking the scenic route as opposed to fast, efficient European/Japanese style transportation then I suppose they fill that role fairly well. Should be lots to see on a Pacific northwest route, much more so than the Amtrak trips I took through New Jersey.

Nope, never traveled by train in the US. I once went by train from London to Windsor Castle though. I was going to drive so that I could visit St. Helens and Ranier but since I'm only going to be in the area for four days I'll save them for another trip. That means I don't have to drive and can enjoy someone else doing the driving. I'll also save money even with the free use of a car. Not to mention the new experience. I have four days of winging it, even an hour or two delay won't be that big a deal.

 

[Howell]

I hear the West/East run along the Canadian border is outta this world. Unfortunately didn't get to do it.

And making this run on the Canadian side of the border is the better of the two.

 

[Howell]

I once went by train from London to Windsor Castle though.

I also went by train from Cusco, Peru to Machu Pichu.

 

[jtr1962]

I wonder what time of day I should travel for the greatest people density?

I'd guess from late afternoon through early evening. That would probably be the time most people finished whatever they're doing, and then hop the train to get back home, or wherever else their going. Or at least those were the times Amtrak seemed most crowded here in the Northeast.

Just rechecked the schedules-you're right, only 30 minutes difference. My head must have been elsewhere first time I checked.

 

[Howell]

Someday I'd like to circle the US. Atlanta, New York, Canada, Seattle, San Fransisco, New Orleans, Atlanta.

That would be cool.

 

[jtr1962]

Someday I'd like to circle the US. Atlanta, New York, Canada, Seattle, San Fransisco, New Orleans, Atlanta.

Same here. I've actually talked of going to Canada or Niagara Falls this fall or winter with my mom. We're debating whether to drive or take Amtrak. I'm sure you know what my preference would be.

 

[ddrueding]

And you never bothered to look me up (and Buck)?

Neither of you have your location in your location! Even a vicinity would make things easier.

For a while I was putting together a Google Earth folder with the locations of the members on it, but I didn't gather enough information.

 

[Howell]

I'd guess from late afternoon through early evening. That would probably be the time most people finished whatever they're doing, and then hop the train to get back home, or wherever else their going.

Do you really think this link is a commuter link? How horrible. I figured most of the people would either be on holiday or, like David, visiting relatives.

 

[jtr1962]

Do you really think this link is a commuter link? How horrible. I figured most of the people would either be on holiday or, like David, visiting relatives.

I know that's not a commuter link. I'm just figuring that for people on holiday, or visiting, or whatever it seems late afternoon to evening is the most likely travel time, perhaps even later evening. Or maybe mid-mornings when they're on the way. Harder to figure peak times with long distance trains anyway. I looked for some data on load factors but they don't break it down by specific trains.

 

[ddrueding]

One of the things I found about my regular trip was that is was much busier on Mondays, people has been boarding the train all weekend as it headed south. Point being that it isn't necessarily about who got on at your stop, but how long the train has been accumulating riders.

 

[LunarMist]

We traveled by train in Europe once and were robbed enroute. F*ck that. At least nobody steals your bag at 35,00 feet.

 

[ddrueding]

I narrowly dodged getting robbed on the overnight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I actually grabbed his hand as it was under my pillow (looking for my passport), but he got away. He'd already done half the train car.

 

[mubs]

Neither of you have your location in your location! Even a vicinity would make things easier.

For a while I was putting together a Google Earth folder with the locations of the members on it, but I didn't gather enough information.

It's too late for me now - I'm a visitor, not a resident. But, on behalf of Buck, I invite you to visit him in South Orange County :-D [ducks]

 

[LunarMist]

Hey, I'm all over the place - 4 states this month and more next week.

 

[ddrueding]

So far this year I've only lived in one place. Last year I had 5 addresses in 4 cities.

 

[mubs]

You're invited to Buck's too, Lunar.

 

[LunarMist]

Sure, is it near Irvine? I used to work down there before the '94 quake.

 

[Pradeep]

We traveled by train in Europe once and were robbed enroute. F*ck that. At least nobody steals your bag at 35,00 feet.

No, but your luggage may get pissed on:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/06/11/snifferdogs.html?ref=rss

 

[Pradeep]

Same here. I've actually talked of going to Canada or Niagara Falls this fall or winter with my mom. We're debating whether to drive or take Amtrak. I'm sure you know what my preference would be.

I believe it takes about 7.5 hours to take the train to Niagara from NYC. They do have the Maple Leaf service which takes you to Toronto. Quite comparable to car if you are taking it easy. A friend of mine took the bus from NYC to Rochester, that took about 7 hours.

 

[sechs]

I'm going to be traveling from Seattle to Portland at the end of next month and have chosen to go by train. It'll either be the Amtrak Cascades or the Coast Starlight.

I'm leaning toward the Cascades and the $13 upgrade to business class.

I'd suggest taking the Cascades. Because the train has priority and the cars that they use can go faster around curves, it tends to have better time keeping.

I've only taken business class on the Cascades, so I can't tell you how much it differs from coach, but, at that price, it's hard to pass up. You'll get a voucher for the cafe car, which is useful, but won't really get you a whole meal. I can, however, vouch for the clam chowder served on board.

 

[sechs]

We once rode from Los Angeles to Chicago (1990, so I didn't know anybody in Chicago I could look up) by Amtrak. It was horribly boring - we went through Texas and New Mexico and then the route slowly swing northwards. All through Texas and NM, there was nothing to see but scrub and in NM what looked like black volcanic rocks. We cried a lot (O, the misery), because we were expecting to "see" the country that way.

The moral of the story: Don't take the Texas Eagle beyond San Antonio.

West Texas scrub + desert is not interesting. But it is America the way that it is.

I hear the West/East run along the Canadian border is outta this world. Unfortunately didn't get to do it.

I wouldn't say that the Empire Builder is out of this word, but Montana is surprisingly more interesting than Nebraska. This train also usually runs with better equipment, so that helps, of course.

 

[mubs]

Sure, is it near Irvine? I used to work down there before the '94 quake.

I've repeatedly stolen Buck's thunder, so I'll let him work out the details

 

[sechs]

I know that's not a commuter link. I'm just figuring that for people on holiday, or visiting, or whatever it seems late afternoon to evening is the most likely travel time, perhaps even later evening. Or maybe mid-mornings when they're on the way. Harder to figure peak times with long distance trains anyway. I looked for some data on load factors but they don't break it down by specific trains.

There are plenty of folks who use these trains for commute purposes. They're all cuckoo for doing it, but I also know of folks who live in Berkley and take Amtrak to San Jose for work.

Certainly, there are those who need to do regular business around Seattle who work around Portland, or vice versa. These folks are generally going to be going one way in the morning and back in evening.

 

[ddrueding]

I know a number of people who do the Berkeley to San Jose trip. When I lived in Eugene, I knew some people who did the Eugene to Portland commute. I did the Eugene, OR to Monterey, CA commute 3 times a week for about 6 months. Ahh, the things we do for love

 

[sechs]

I don't think that it was love that you were doing it for....

 

[ddrueding]

Anything but love can be had locally.

 

[CougTek]

I don't think that it was love that you were doing it for....

I'm sure it was love...love of money.

 

[Howell]

Take it easy guys.

 

[sechs]

I'm sure it was love...love of money.

I guess he needed that "locally."

 

[ddrueding]

My income has always been in and around Monterey, CA. While that has been true, I've lived in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Salinas, Eugene, and Palo Alto; commuting as needed. All to be near women I've loved. Does that clarify things?

 

[sechs]

Anything but love can be had locally.

Including "income."

 

[Stereodude]

Getting this back on topic:

Well, I can throw in my $.02 about the train/subway system in Germany after having ridden it in Munich and Frankfurt, as well as taking the ICE (InterCity Express) between Munich and Frankfurt.

The S-Train (Surface) and U-Train (Underground) system works pretty well. The whole system seems to work on the honor system for riding it. There aren't any turnstiles or anything like I've seen in Taipei, Las Vegas, etc keeping only paying customers on the train. The trains were clean though not necessarily new, very on time, and not air conditioned. The ticket machines are very confusing to someone who doesn't read German though.

The ICE was quite nice. It moves along around 150-170Km/Hr (most of the time) and is comfortable. You have an airline like seat (but with more legroom). The ride very smooth and quiet, although sitting backwards moving along that fast looking out the window on an empty stomach is a little motion sickness inducing.

As a side note the vast majority of buildings in Germany don't have A/C. Even large office buildings lack A/C and have large windows that open (no screens to keep out bugs either, though there don't seem to be many bugs). They also have these large nifty metal blinds on the outside of of windows to block sunlight if you want.

 

[Mercutio]

Germany's climate generally isn't such that AC is needed. Ditto for France. They treat temperatures over about 90 degrees as a health emergency as a consequence of that.

Basically western Europe has a much milder climate than folks in the USA are used to.

 

[jtr1962]

Weather for Berlin

I wish we had this weather here instead of 95°F and humid like it was yesterday.

Occasionally I check weather overseas. As a general rule Western European summers seem to have highs in the 60s or 70s, lows in the 50s or even high 40s. That's why the heat wave two years ago took them by surprise. With the previous lack of need for AC, they just couldn't cope with it. I'm still surprised that so many trains don't have AC. With that many people together you need it even with their temperate summers.

You don't want to know what the subways were like in the summers before they had AC. It was basically like descending into the depths of hell. :diablo: