by electricron
NaugyRR wrote: ↑Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:34 am On a Regional I don't really see the need, plus I don't see them trying to find crews to act as dedicated first class car attendants a-la the Acela. I also think Amtrak would want to keep the Acela as THE first class service so they can keep prices high for it.I am glad you do enjoy your first class train services to Boston. Driving on the congested I-95 is not the easiest way to get there. Would you still make that trip if that first class service disappeared? Or would you have to lease out a private rail car instead to get that first class service? What I'm trying to ask is that you absolutely must have first class service? Nice to have and must have are two entirely different concepts.
In response to electricon, my wife and I like to splurge once or twice a year and ride first class to Boston for long weekends at the Marriott Long Wharf. Yes we are aware that the dollar for value isn't quite there, but the value for experience is. We work hard all year so it's nice to use the station lounges, get waited on, have table seating, and just enjoy a more laid back atmosphere. It's sort of the same reason why we ride business on Empire Trains; it's a more laid back environment than the rest of coach class and we like the armchair-style seating. If I was riding everyday I wouldn't pay extra for the higher class tiers, but for people like us who travel for leisure it's worth the extra for the experience.