Thanks for the tips. I looked at Amtrack, briefly, it seemed very
complicated and without stations in many places. Even post-Beeching
most of the UK is relatively well served by train, so perhaps we are
spoiled. I will re-investigate.
On 04/07/2012 01:31, birgitte...@yahoo.com wrote:
Amtrak owns most all the rails it uses in the Northeast, which means
no stopping for freight trains. Amtrak west of the Mississippi is, as
they say here, a different ball-game altogether. ;)
Riding Amtrak in Northeast region should not involve the delays
commonly experienced in other parts of the country. Same great people
though!
Birgitte SB
On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:44 PM, Richard Symonds
<richard.symo...@wikimedia.org.uk
<mailto:richard.symo...@wikimedia.org.uk>> wrote:
Crossing Missouri by Amtrak is an experience! Staff are wonderful,
but the passenger train stops for freight trains, and most stations
don't have platforms. They do have power outlets though, and it's a
bit of an adventure.
Better than taking the Greyhound :-)
Richard Symonds, Wikimedia UK
On Jul 4, 2012 12:30 AM, <birgitte...@yahoo.com
<mailto:birgitte...@yahoo.com>> wrote:
> If you don't find a ride, I would heartily endorse Amtrak.
There are few services left these days that are truly
customer-oriented and easy to deal with; Amtrak is one. You can
change travel plans last minute-no problem and no fees. You can
usually get a cash refund for 90% as long as you haven't begun
travel. You can get partial refunds, if you take part of the trip
and want to cancel the rest. The people are super-helpful. The
food in the dining car is good to great. They really match the
comfort level of the cars for the length of the trip.
>
> There main issues are spotty national coverage and, out west,
they get poor scheduling on the lines. But heading towards
Chicago from the east coast is Amtrak at its strongest. D.C. to
Chicago is an 18 hour overnight trip which is arranged to end up
in Chicago around 9 AM. You could get off in Ohio in the wee
hours travel through Chicago to WI. Chicago is the Rome of
Amtrak. I rode NYC to Chicago last year and all overnights in the
East get the same type of cars. The seats basically become lounge
chairs with full leg support. There are lots of outlets but
probably no wi-fi on that trip. Cell service will be spotty as
you travel through stretches of countryside that are lightly
populated.
>
> If you take Amtrak, try asking the conductor if any
accommodations are available when they collects you ticket. It
is bucket pricing, so it is too late to book them at the a good
price. But if they don't book them or someone who did book misses
the train, I have heard that the conductor will sell them at the
lowest bucket (it is based on miles). Accommodations are more
than just a private sleeping compartment. They will come with
meals included, plus the sleeping car has showers. Quality
showers. It is well worth the upgrade at the lowest bucket price.
>
> Birgitte SB
>
> On Jul 3, 2012, at 12:39 PM, Richard Farmbrough
<rich...@farmbrough.co.uk <mailto:rich...@farmbrough.co.uk>> wrote:
>
>> I am travelling west after Wikimania, are there any
Wikimedians driving to Ohio or Wisconsin who can offer a lift?
Contribution to gas money offered, of course.
>>
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