by Tadman
SouthernRailway wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:34 pm See the drinks menu from the Caledonian Sleeper:So the Caley is heavily supported by the Gov't of Scotland to promote not just riding to Scotland, but Scottish products and Scottish vibes. You can pretty easily google the documentation and powerpoints when Serco, the current operator, bid for it. They were required to submit a "very scottish" concept. Not just run a sleeper train toward Glasgow and north. The menu is very Scottish-oriented, as are the whiskys aboard. The uniforms were tailored by a local tailor that is known for making sporting (hunting) suits in traditional fashion. They even created and registered their own tartan. I've written to the lot of them asking to buy a tie, cufflinks, etc... and nobody will sell anything.
https://www.sleeper.scot/wp-content/upl ... 19-Web.pdf
Why doesn’t Amtrak have something remotely comparable?
This model is a bit similar to the Cascades having local fare and libations aboard that is far better than the stuff on the Detroit trains, which is basically a rolling 7-11.
It would also be a good model for a state wishing to promote tourism by train. Perhaps a new concept for the Adirondack, or a Traverse City sleeper. Local wine, local foods, etc... You're selling a lifestyle of the north, not just passage.
rohr turbo wrote: ↑Sun Apr 26, 2020 3:06 pmgokeefe wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2020 8:51 pm Because if Amtrak sold a single glass of sparkling wine for £60 (better known in this country as $74.22) while still receiving taxpayer operating support the howls from Congress would be heard all the way down on Peachtree Street in Atlanta.
Note that is the price for a full bottle (75cl=750ml=1 wine bottle).
While I agree those 2 champagne bottles are expensive, the rest of the drinks menu seems very very reasonable.
And alcoholic drinks tend to be the most profitable thing you can sell, especially to a locked-in customer base. So the responses to any congressional howls should be, 'drinks are a net contributor to the bottom line, thereby reducing the subsidy.' That should shut them up!
The food was pretty reasonable and so was the drinks. Two little mini-bottles of scotch made me sleep like a baby. Also, I don't know why Congress would freak about on-board food being expensive if it helps defray the costs of running a diner. I've long said that (a) if you have $1000 for a longer sleeper trip, you probably have $100+ for a meal; (b) there's more money to be made when the food is more expensive.
The new Acela: It's not Aveliable.