Tadman wrote: ↑Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:38 pm
You have some other options, too. The Starlight is really a day train from Bay Area to LA and a night train to Seattle. The Sunset is a day train b/w Houston and New Orleans. Why not run a daily Horizon/Amfleet train on that segment and meet the Superliners in either Houston or San Antonio, sparing the need to run them an extra two days to NOLA and back?
Mr. Dunville has a meritorious point. I would have thought that during the Anderson years, something resembling what is outlined would have moved forth.
If Amtrak is in the transportation business, as distinct from experiential, truncating the existing Starlight would have made sense. The train, LA-Oakland, is simply towing about too many cars - Sleepers, Diners, Lounges - not directed towards transportation.
Possibly such a truncated train could have been routed via the SP Peninsula line into 3rd & Townsend again providing direct service to SF. Those desiring to journey for transportation would use the existing San Joaquin bus-rail service up the Central Valley connecting with the Starlight wherever the Bay Area connection is made.
Continuing, lest we forget that the "new kid on the block" - Brightline - is "not exactly" too concerned about experiential sightseeing. While I acknowledge, having been down there more times than I can count over the years, and in all parts of the state, Florida is simply a "scenic zero". Those around here who have "taken the joyride" (as I will in about two weeks), likely know that their car will more likely than not be shrink wrapped promoting whatever. Supposedly the shrink wrap, existing on passenger trains worldwide nowadays (good reason why the Amtrak Airo sets are smooth sided), does not impair a passenger's view, but you couldn't prove that by me.
Finally, the Meadows to Little House on the Ranch, Brightline West, does have more sightseeing opportunities, but safe bet those cars will also be shrink wrapped plugging whoever is willing to pony up.