"More unusual is Amtrak's novel claim that their new kitchenless dining system is actually preferred by millennials. I can't imagine how they came up with that" It's not so hard to believe. You wind up eating all three meals on Amtrak's schedule which they can't even keep after you make a reservation, only to be told they're all out of everything but fried fish and the vegetarian meal. When I travel I'll often get other meals at stops that are long enough even though I've already paid for the diner experience. The limited diner menu gets real old if you're traveling the distance on the Texas Eagle. The diner seems to be for novelty seekers, people over seventy and those on a land cruise, although since that describes the vast majority of their long distance business maybe they should keep it. If they wind up having more choices and more casual food that I can eat when I want to eat I certainly won't miss it. I can converse in the lounge. I truly wish they'd allow you to just pay for a bedroom instead of throwing the meal charge on top of it and forcing you to pay that.
mtuandrew wrote: ↑Sun Sep 22, 2019 1:20 pmFor the people who complain, “but the government is getting people drunk,” look at how many Army bases and government installations have banquet halls, lounges, and officers’ clubs run by the government rather than contractors.Quick point ... The military facilities you refer to are operated as "Non-Appropriated Funds" by the Exchange Service. They are supported by user fees and pay for their own utilities and operating costs and even a retirement plan for their employees (who are often military spouses). Facilities in other departments (Park Service, State Department etc) are in fact run by contractors.
Amtrak represents the very rare case where government appropriations do in fact provide some measure of direct support to food and beverage service (including alcohol) that is simply "open to the public" and not related to a formal official function.
On a different note I am happy to report that the Downeaster Cafe does a brisk business in Maine Craft Beer and cocktails. I do agree that Amtrak could have a $25 "Metroliner Martini" and would probably sell plenty of them.