I recently travelled on the Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle. I am not a new to rail travel and have had good and bad experiences, but this was by far the most awesome ride I have ever encountered. We departed LA right on the advertised, and averaged at least 6 min early at each stop and somehow ended up in Seattle 30 min early. The onboard crew was friendly, helpful, and informative. The meals were good, the train was clean and well stocked, and the scenery was breath taking. I dont have enough room to cover the details of the trip, but if you have never rode this train, and get the chance, I'd strongly suggest it. Ron Herendeen Webmaster www.heartlandflyer.com
It's good to read of these experiences. On time, and happy riders. Something that is very much needed. Just curious- Do you think that this might be a reflection of the new leadership at Amtrak? Boxcab E50
I'm not sure. I am on a quest to ride over each different Amtrak route this year. I have 7 different ones done, and everyone of them have been good. So who knows, maybe it is. I'll also note that the American Airline crews who worked 3 of the 4 planes I recently rode on could have used some work. REH
So what date did you make this trip on? #14 never seems to be even close to OT so I'm glad you got to experience such an event. We have had some luck the last few weeks getting the train in half way close to on time. We set a record that I didn't think could happen when we arrived into PDX at 3:08 pm. everyone was totally shocked.
O.K. I can add to this I just got home from that same trip on the #14. My wife and I rode from Seattle to Sacromento and then returned a few days later. The ride south was wonderfull!!!! Then the UP shut down a tunnel for a work crew. There was a bus ride for 4hours in the middle of the run north. We started 45min. late rode a bus then finished in coach with out the dinning car. They waved some money at my wife and she took it to ride the bus (she is not a train buff). I would have told them send me the money back and I will take a plane... I will say that when we were on the BN/SF tracks we were on time all the time. Not so on the UP we had to wait on freight trains several times. The people and food were great. I will do it again in a heart beat. Mr. Train
