by Gilbert B Norman
TedBell wrote:On another note, it appears that AMTRAK and UTA don't get along nicely. The eastbound train arrives in SLC around 3:00am. But there is no light rail or commuter rail (UTA service) running at this time. So I'll have to drive to the Intermodal Hub and leave my car there for the extended weekend. Seems like a waste when both TRAX (light rail) and FrontRunner (commuter rail) terminate at the AMTRAK station. And I live a few blocks away from a TRAX station. Go figure.Mr. Bell, I really think it unreasonable to expect a municipal mass transit system to be operating at 3AM; OK yes in a city the size of either New York or Chicago, but Salt Lake City? that's a "little much".
Sure, it would have been nice if the D&RGW station could have become your Amtrak and mass transit hub rather than a cultural center (nicer yet if the UP were, but let's not stand in the way of the American passion for "shoppertainment"), but for that I reference Mick and friends. Think of how many more mass transit resources you have, even if not a nice building for a hub, as do your friends on the other side of the mountains in Denver. Over there, they do a good "talk the talk" regarding real railroad (heavy rail) regional (commuter) transportation. You guys clearly "walked the walk' with Frontrunner.
I hold many a fond memory to this day of the region from when I was stationed at Hill AFB 1968-69; I visited on several an occasion during the 70's and 80's and was glad to be able to return during '10. I may even pencil it in for a trip during '13.
Finally, to return this post to Amtrak affairs, while I believe you will find your trip to be far more enjoyable if you were to "spring" for a Roomette (looking out the rear is a Jersey Mike "thing"; why, not completely sure), I'm not going to be the auto salesman with the line of "you say you can't afford it, I going to show you that you can" and let that matter rest beyond noting that there are many more real avoidable costs to operating an auto than simply putting gas in it (oh I guess that's the case for some kids who live in a world of "Dad, may I borrow the car, I'll put some gas in it"). Some may wonder why 5-6, Zephyr, could not be scheduled so as to serve Salt Lake City at people hours. Truth is that neither did the City of LA or the (pre-Amtrak) California Zephyr. Denver still represents a greater passenger base, and if there were to be people hour scheduling through SLC, it would be "0-dark-30" through DEN, as well as disruption to the connections made at Chicago.
Have a good trip; thanks for your participation here - and especially your choice to register under what would appear to be your given name.