Arborwayfan wrote: ↑Thu Sep 24, 2020 12:20 pm
Of course, train numbers are not especially important to passengers, at least not compared to understanding the interstate highway numbering system so you don't get on I-195 expecting it to bring you back to I-95.
You should expect I-195 to connect to I-95 - at one end. The odd numbered leading three digit numbers are expected to be spurs from the main line (195, 395, 595, 795, 995). The even number leading three digit numbers should be loops from the main line (295, 495, 695, 895). Sometimes an interstate isn't completed (such as the various missing segments of I-69 from Texas through Michigan). But that is the design of the system and it carries down below the interstate level.
I agree that Amtrak numbers are less relevant ... it is more important that there is a train running than what the number is. Although I did hear of a passenger who failed to get on Amtrak 30 a couple of weeks ago because the engine had a large painted 39 on the side and they did not think it was their train.
Now if someone can explain why Amtrak has 29/30 and 48/49 pairs instead of 30/31 for the Capitol. (In 1975 the National Limited used that pair with 430/431 being the connection between Harrisburg and DC while the main train ran Kansas City to New York.)