posted
Speaking of high speed rail, here is a plan for HSR from Eugene to Vancouver, BC. Also a run east from Seattle to the Tri Cities and on to Spokane.
I guess one should emphasize that this is nothing more than a plan. They don't say what the cost prediction might be. Also, could it really reach 250 mph speeds? If that is true, Eugene to Vancouver would take less than 2 hours. What speeds could be obtained over the Cascades, Seattle to Ellensburg?
I do like the suggested route going east to Spokane. If the plan is just a pipe dream and no more, how about a Cascade train to Spokane?
posted
Joyride in progress dp MIA 410P ar WPB 525. Near Lake Worth. Load at best is 30%.
On Board service in Select (First) is "impeccable".
The return, the 800P train (numbers are only circulated to operating employees), all kinds of "goodies" in the Select Lounge - alcoholic and otherwise. But once again, I had Select as good as to myself. Raining for the return so not too many "privileged jerks" hanging around Atlantic Ave in Delray playing "dare you" to beat the train.
Finally, this as good a place as any to note in Miami, the transfer between Rail and/or Mover is not seamless. Station is First Ave NW and 6th St. Government Center Rail/Mover station is 2nd St, so you have a four block hike. Closest Mover is Wilkie Ferguson station 5th and 1st Ave. Really was "no biggie" to me; getting off Rail with five minutes to spare?....well.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
GBN, the high today, Tuesday, in Chicago is supposed to be -10. Hope you decided to stay a few extra days in the sunny south! It would seem to be worth it even if United had a change charge. Although I suspect with many flights canceled (as well as todays EB), they waived change fees.
Any more thoughts on Brightline and, more importantly, any local news on progress towards Orlando?
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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A big positive would be the "friendly and polite" train staff. We could all use that benefit.
I am impressed by the "Select Class" lounge at the Miami Central station.
The phone app problem, as discussed, seems to be not unusual. Our SMART train, here in Santa Rosa, requires a phone app to park in the train parking lot. I couldn't figure out how to get the app for parking, and even others, with me, who are more computer savvy couldn't figure it out, as well.
Why couldn't they use credit card parking meters? I would like to think you could use cash, on board, for beverages, etc. I am amazed, whenever I am at a Starbucks, at the number of people using debit/credit cards for a $3.00 cup of coffee. I guess I belong to an older generation.
Richard
Posts: 1933 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
I did get home last night. United CXD the morning flight I was to take but they rebooked me on their afternoon, which got to ORD on time. Despite warnings from dear friends to not do my poor man's ("get an Uber" like that is something I do all the time - I've never used them), I did it (I had five layers of clothing) - it's what I've always done since the '80's when I had to think about the cost of things more than I do today. It went without incident - the cold just kept me moving.
Oh and applying for about the one thing airlines will refund for - a downgrade from First to Coach - went smoothly at the website. And Middle Seat Coach really wasn't the end of the world - a really nice gal was happy to share company with me on the flight and with hugs parting ways ("just think, had you been up there in your First Class you would have never met me").
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by yukon11: Why couldn't they (SMART) use credit card parking meters? I would like to think you could use cash, on board, for beverages, etc. I am amazed, whenever I am at a Starbucks, at the number of people using debit/credit cards for a $3.00 cup of coffee. I guess I belong to an older generation.
Richard, I'm one of those I think older than you who hates cash. To me it's "sinister" (well, not your $3 Starbucks) and in my daily life the only thing I use it for is my monthly haircut ($20 - old school) and the laundromat every 45 days ($10 - coin-op).
On the trip, I took $50.75 with me and returned with $2.75. I'll even share where it went:
$20 Hotel housekeeper $6 METRA $3 CTA $4 MIA Metro $10 Tip for a comp Breakfast at hotel $2 gift to a homless veteran $3 New York Times
Why Amtrak hasn't gone cash free on board escapes me.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Mr. Norman: I think, long ago, there was a forum discussion on the possibility of an Amtrak debit/credit card for on board services (kind of an "Amtrak Club card"). Do you think that would be something useful? What about an Amtrak phone app for paying for beverages and meals?
Richard
Posts: 1933 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Fair Use Quotation from the material immediately submitted:
Virgin Trains USA, the Sir Richard Branson-backed company that has partnered with Florida's Brightline passenger train, on Wednesday announced an initial public offering of stock to raise up to $619 million.
Altogether, Virgin Trains is offering to sell more than 32.5 million shares of stock at $17 to $19 per share. The shares will be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol VTUS.
Of course, this is all well and good for an outfit about which I have been mistaken more than any in the sixty five years I have followed railroad industry affairs, and for which, so far as I'm concerned (six trips to date), offers an entire (station and on-board) product never found anywhere in all three "Americas"(of course, let it be noted the only South American country in which I have set foot is Venezuela).
Now, first $600M (if they get it) is only a "down payment" on the $1.6B they need to "build out" to MCO - never mind all the rest. The Private Activity Bonds (exempt from Federal Income Tax) have been rated "junk", and at present "they're losing their shirts" even with the apparent "post-intro" fares (my MIA-WPB-MIA was $80).
How do I know they're losing their shirts? Safe assumption they'd be trumpeting it from the wherever (can't say hilltops in South Florida) if otherwise.
Sir Richard is a showman - and this is just one more outlet to sell "I slept on a..." T-Shirts.
Oh and finally, when I got off the plane at ORD last Tuesday wearing my Brightline hat, someone recognized it and asked "you ridden Brightline?", and to which I favoraby responded.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
The Palm Beach Post has now reported on the IPO and has come to same conclusion as have I.
Fair Use:
Virgin Trains expects to raise net proceeds of $467.8 million in the IPO. The company already has $700 million in debt, and it’s looking to borrow $2.3 billion to fund its expansions from West Palm Beach to Orlando and Tampa, and also for a proposed line connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas. That’s after Brightline missed two 2018 deadlines to raise $1.15 billion in a sale of tax-exempt bonds. “We are currently in discussions for a commitment for a one-year bridge loan facility (subject to a one-year extension) to permit us to borrow up to $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount,” the company says. “We do not yet have a commitment for such bridge loan facility.”
Virgin Trains has yet to hire a contractor to connect West Palm Beach to Orlando. The company says it aims to open service between West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport in three years, placing the launch date in 2022. “We have not yet entered into certain construction contracts for the completion of the North Segment, including contracts for the construction of rail infrastructure and our Orlando vehicle maintenance facility, as well as contracts for the completion of signage, off-site roadway work and utility connections,” Virgin Trains says..
Again I must note. The IPO, if successful, will only raise a small portion of the funds needed to build out to MCO - never mind the rest?
Finally, Sir Richard is a showman. He is not King Midas.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Maimi Herald reports that the IPO has been "shelved".
Fair Use:
..Virgin Trains USA, formerly known as Brightline, has decided to shelve previously announced plans to take the company public.
“As we explored a public offering, a number of alternative financing sources became available that allow us to keep the company private and meet our growth strategies,” the company said in a statement. The company declined a request for an interview, citing its required regulatory quiet period for any securities filings...
Somehow, "alternative financing" means additional public fund guarantees of any bond issue. That translates to "subsidy", resulting in me being off the hook to "eat my hat".
But even if soon it will be "tilt; game over", I have had six superlative rides on Brightline. They have set a standard that will be hard for any passenger carrier to match.
It is my hope that if it's all over, they will go out in the same manner as did the Santa Fe on A-Day Eve.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Financial experts say it’s unclear how long Virgin Trains USA can continue to operate after putting the brakes on a stock offering that would have raised nearly $500 million in much-needed capital.
With a cash flow of negative $6.8 million per month, the money-losing parent of the Brightline train service must look outside passenger revenue for a financial lifeline, said Ozgur Ince, a finance professor at the University of South Carolina.
“Their cash position looks very precarious,” Ince said. “With only $273,000 in cash and cash equivalents, they really needed the $500 million or so cash infusion from the IPO.”
Richard Rampell, a Palm Beach CPA and former board member of the RailAmerica freight line, also sees financial trouble down the track.
“At this rate, they could last maybe a year,” Rampell said. “Then they’re going to be in big trouble unless they can get some more capital.”
Best advice; "get on down" and "on the pronto" for a taste of what rail travel can be.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
A "cautiously optimistic" article appeared recently in the Miami Herald:
Fair Use:
If you build it, will people ride it?
It is the question now dictating the future of Brightline, the express train that hopes to take passengers from Miami to Orlando and beyond.
Almost a year after launching its service from Miami, tens of thousands of passengers now hop the train for the Miami-to-West Palm run, and back, each month. In February the figure totaled more than 78,000, according to a monthly Brightline ridership filing. (In an email provided after this story was published Monday at 7 a.m., Brightline shared that its March ridership totaled over 90,000.)
The number of riders is on a recent uptick, the company reports. Still, passenger levels remain below the company’s initial projections, and Brightline continues to operate at a loss. In February, the company decided to forgo an initial public offering (IPO), one that Bloomberg reported was set to be the largest of the year.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Trains newswire and the Palm Beach Post reported on the enthusiastic demand for selling private bonds to finance construction to Orlando. Looks like that train will depart the station!
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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But lest we forget, only the cash flow of VTUSA secures them. Try as the creditors might should a default occur, no other FECI asset can be touched.
I have a High Yield fund in my portfolio (Virtus SEIX); for all I know, some piece of it will be in these VTUSA PAB's.
But I guarantee you, I'd never hold a position outright in such. I have too many GE bonds that were A or better when I bought them, but now are Baa.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Likely, this week is proving to be amongst the most significant in Virgin/Brightline's history. Here is an Editorial by the Orlando Sentinel's Editorial Board:
Fair Use:
Remember back in 1999, when Central Florida was just one Orange County Commission vote away from building a light rail line along Interstate 4?
Remember back in 2011 when newly elected Gov. Rick Scott turned down $2 billion in federal money for high-speed rail between Orlando and Tampa?
Let’s hope we’re not going to remember 2019 as the year Florida passed up yet another opportunity to kick our addiction to roads.
On Friday, a quasi-government agency is scheduled to decide whether Virgin Trains USA — the new name for Brightline — should be allowed to sell $950 million in tax-exempt bonds to complete a rail project linking Miami and Orlando. The agency already approved $1.75 billion in bonds for the project.
The bond proceedings themselves would be a crashing bore to the average person. But they’re key to Virgin Trains’ plans.
We’ve been on board with this idea from the start, in part because Florida desperately needs transportation options. A state with this many people cannot continue to rely so heavily on roads to move people around. It’s a losing proposition...
There does, however, appear to be a conflict between the Post's reporting noted by Mr. Palmland, and the opinion expressed here by the Sentinel's Board. The Post reported "it's a done deal" while Ten Sentinel's Board holds the decision will be made today.
I do think the Board's position of keep the government out of it, is a bit optimistic. True, these bonds are "6% tax-free" and will be privately placed with "institutionals". Presumably they are professional enough to know what they are getting into, being quite aware that they will be paid only from the farebox after the trains are gassed up and the drivers are paid - and, oh, the wine vendor.
Now what I think is unsaid is that these institutional holders are betting on is that they will be bailed out at the "Tallytrough" should there be a default.
Finally, I remain astounded how far the initiative has come (again "for those tuning in late", I thought it was a ploy to "fatten up the steer" to sell the railroad to the State) and further acknowledge that in my sixty five years of following industry affairs, including eleven "inside", I have never been so mistaken regarding an outcome
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
While this looks to be a project that is needed, making a profit would surprise me. Passenger systems simply seldom if ever do. If this were Texas High Speed Rail, I would probably go for it, but not whole hog. If Brightline into Orlando does become profitable, my view would be something like the comment made about the Chicago and North Western many years ago when it was claiming a profit on its Chicago commuter service. It was to the effect, "It is like watching a hippopotamus do ballet. It is not that it does ballet so well, it is that it manages to do ballet at all."
Posts: 2979 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
So it appears that the industry trade magazine, Bond Buyer reports the private placement by Morgan Stanley was successful.
Fair Use:
The Virgin Trains USA name made a hit with qualified investors who eagerly scooped up its high-yield bonds to finance Florida’s privately owned passenger train project.
In the largest municipal bond deal of the week, the $1.75 billion of unrated private activity bonds priced Monday with the Florida Development Finance Corp. as the conduit issuer on behalf Virgin Trains USA, formerly known as Brightline.
The deal, upsized from $1.5 billion initially proposed in bond documents, priced a day ahead of schedule because of strong demand.
Morgan Stanley, the sole underwriter, said 67 participants sought orders after “very successful” roadshows in Boston and New York. In-person site visits also allowed prospective investors to ride the train service on its current route between Miami and West Palm Beach, which offers passengers wireless internet service, electrical power and USB outlets at all seats, and food and drink service.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Still think I would stay away from them and any fund that has much in them.
Posts: 2979 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
It's undeniable that the "tempo" and success of getting things done has increased since Sir Richard has come on board. Seems like having a showman associated with anything enhances it's "cache".
Oh well, he now has a new market to sell "I slept on a Virgin" T-shirts.
Surprisingly, a showman affiliated with a railroad is not new. For years, Billy Rose held a seat on the New York Central's Board.
Finally, first here is a video I have not seen referenced here:
Also, here is Miami Herald reporting and video on the renaming of MCS to VM - Virgin Miamicentral:
Fair Use:
quote:Although the downtown station has been renamed, the trains will continue to carry the Brightline yellow stripes until they are repainted with Virgin’s red logo. Virgin Trains USA, whose parent is Fortress Asset Management, will operate separately from Virgin Group.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Morgan Stanley was the underwriter for the transaction, which was purchased by 67 different investors, the company said. The sale of the tax-free private activity bonds, which was authorized earlier this month by the Florida Development Finance Corp., represents one of the largest such transactions recorded. The FDFC says taxpayers would not be on the hook if the company were to default.
Ridership on Virgin’s express train may finally be on track to meet its aggressive targets.
Formerly known as Brightline, the company reported late Friday that March ridership had increased 17 percent over February’s to 91,903 passengers, with revenue increasing 21 percent.
The company is aiming for more than 2 million passengers and revenues of $55.8 million for 2019. So far this year, it has carried approximately 244,000 passengers, grossing $5.9 million. Last year, it carried 580,000 passengers, grossing about $10 million in revenues.
I completely remain astounded by this whole initiative. While I have now had three enjoyable joyrides to date, never in my over sixty five years of following railroad industry affairs, have I been so mistaken about the outcome of anything within such. I knew Amtrak was a "con job" business plan right from A-Day, and while I did at first think Conrail was a "con game", I realized "they're gonna make it" once they were able to emiciate the ERIE and LV and still retain its traffic and sell the DL&W and CNJ to the State for its NJTransit lines.
But I can only acknowledge so far as Brightline, how mistaken I have been.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
While I wish these people every success and would like to be part of their cheering section, "putting my money where my mouth is" won't be part of it. I just feel like good an idea as this may be I don't see it coming out financially in the US transportation situation.
Posts: 2979 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
My hat shaped cake waits until there are financials satisfying this CPA (ret; title is mine for life) Brightline is a going concern without anything from the "Tallytrough".
Sir Richard has had his "fun"; he got to promote his new cruiseline and splash some of his Red paint around. Beyond that, what did he do other than offer up a celebrity endorsement?
Must say, some of this rings of RRY on the Chessie with his ordering twice as many passenger cars as they could ever use; ordering cars, including Domes, for a Wash-Cinci trains that couldnt fit into Wash. However, there was back then, a ready market for the excess with the B&O, DRGW, IC, and NYC.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
This article, appearing in Today's Wall Street Journal gives insight, as well as mention, regarding the successful underwriting of the "junk". Apparently, in search of yield, institutional investors are willing to take a high risk of default:
Fair Use:
Virgin Trains U.S.A., backed by Fortress Investment Group, has benefited from high demand for munis. Also known as Brightline, the train seeks to connect Orlando, Fla., to Miami.
But it didn’t fill up its trains with as many passengers as expected in 2018 after station opening delays, according to bond-offering and financial documents. The company also faced losses, financial records show. A spokesman for the train said it had always projected a “multiyear ramp-up” for revenue and ridership.
Even so, in April, muni investors lent Virgin about $1.8 billion to expand, marking the largest unrated muni bond deal over the past five years, according to calculations by MMA.
Brian Wynne, head of public finance at Morgan Stanley , which underwrote the bonds, said high demand enabled the railway to sell $250 million more in debt than initially planned, with yields roughly a fifth of a percentage point less than expected. Virgin could issue $950 million more in the coming months, according to the Florida Development Finance Corporation.
Such bonds “enable the private sector to deliver critical infrastructure projects,” said Wes Edens, co-chief executive of Fortress and Chairman of Virgin Trains..
Promise; you won't find these "puppies" in my portfolio.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Hard as it may be to believe, "Brightline/Virgin buddy", Gannett Treasure Coast Newspapers actually has run a piece that could be called "news".
Fair Use:
In May, Virgin Trains carried nearly 86,000 passengers, generating about $1.7 million in revenue, according to self-reported numbers released this week. The company is obligated to publish monthly ridership and revenue numbers because it's receiving tax-free bonds.
Over the first five months of the year, Virgin Trains has carried just over 401,000 customers and brought in $9.4 million. In Virgin's efforts to sell $1.75 billion in private- activity bonds, the company projected carrying roughly 2.3 million passengers in 2019 and generating a little more than $60 million, according to financial statements from the company
Of interest is that it looks like their Opinators have "thrown in the towel", and the only remaining opposition is Indian River County, who is pursuing their interests in Federal Court (a lawyer once said to me "if you feel you got screwed at State level, you go to Federal"). I guess those folk out on John's Island need to "blow their $B's" on something.
Finally, of greatest interest to me is that May revenue and ridership is out there. This will be the first real "comparo" of MIA-WPB available.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Guess I’m not surprised that Carl Hiaasen would not be thrilled with Virgin Trains. My wife and I have always enjoyed his very funny books, full of eccentric characters and thinly discussed loathing of Florida developers and politicians. While he has some valid points, i suspect those who have to deal with south Florida traffic will embrace this service, regardless of how profitable or not. Just run the trains fast, frequently, and on time.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
These numbers are "out there" on the "light web". I have no idea regarding source, but if there is any foundation to them, it is no wonder BL/VT is becoming "opaque". Possibly they are able now that the IPO was CXD and the bonds have been privately placed:
Updated monthly ridership data: Code: ----- 2018 2019 Jan 17,783 73,568 Feb 24,098 78,707 Mar 32,899 91,903 Apr ?????? 71,308 May ?????? 85,740 Jun ?????? Jul Aug Sep Oct 60,013 Nov 80,660 Dec 98,076 Code: Revenue: ---------- 2018 2019 2020 Jan ---------- $1.7m Feb ---------- $1.9m Mar ---------- $2.3m Apr ---------- $1.8m May ---------- $1.7m Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct $1.0m Nov $1.5m Dec $2.2m
Comparative May ridership and revenue would be great to have made public, but if they are dismal, and with private placement of the bonds obviating any requirement to do so, they will be hard to come by.
I have no knowledge if the "Tallytrough" will be "open and ready to serve you", but with the "clubby" environment at any state capital, I wouldn't be surprised. Also wouldn't be surprised if "it never got out".
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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It also appears to "tie" with May "numbers" I reported immediately.
However, the PDF file is copy protected and cannot be included within the text of this posting.
Given the "knowns" reported above as well as those within the PDF report, comparative ridership can be deduced as follows:
-----------2019-----2018---%TGE
JAN-------73568----17783--313.7%
FEB-------78707----24098--226.6%
MAR-------91903----32899--179.4%
APR-------71308----23320--205.8%
MAY-------85740----34100--151.4%
TOTAL----401226---132200--203.5%
.5% difference in total: "sorry 'bout that".
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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It appears my earlier concerns that ridership reports would no longer be circulated are unfounded.
Of interest; service from Miami Central was inaugurated May 19, 2018, so June will be the first month for which comparative "numbers" will be available.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I will concede that never in more than sixty five years of following railroad industry affairs, have I been so mistaken about the outcome of a project.
I have now learned that the FDFC bonds have been rated Aaa, or investment grade, by Moody's. This is in sharp contrast to the earlier rating agency, Fitch, bestowed on them of not investment grade.
Now a question: what benefit has been gained by Sir Richard Branson's "horn in"? Enquiring mind wants to know.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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This afternoon, it's off for a joyride. Leave Miami Central 350P to WP, early Dinner @Ruth's, return 740P.
$72; Select (Business).
Of interest, no mention of Virgin at the site. Is Sir Richard "still in"? Who knows what will be at either station.
Sorry Sir Richard, but with all the carefully crafted branding Brightline has done, shame to have it go to waste. But then, those with "Big egos" seem to have "thin skin".
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Glad you made it to FL and anxious to hear your Brightline and A -T reports. Looks like we won’t make it to FL for spring baseball this year as heading to an Alabama gulf beach instead. No trains involved as I don’t think the Gulf Wind is still running.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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First, I found the Brightline labels remaining at Miami Central, even if Sir Richard has horned in with some of his. At West Palm, you wouldn't know he had any connection whatever.
Both "Pink" and "Green" remain liveried as such. Can't speak for the other three sets.
But I really hold the best positive is the revamp of their site allowing passenger seat selection. When selecting, you will be shown a diagram of the car - including the direction of travel.
Amtrak, are you reading?
The only negative is they have downgraded their wine offerings. Last year, in both the Select lounge an on board, they were offering Ferrari-Carrno Chardonnay (upscale). This year Cupcake, for which at the liquor store, you bend low enough to have it hurt.
Everything was fine on the Northward trip, but the return....?
At 29th St in the Wynwood neighborhood, some "room temperature IQ idiot" made a right turn at the X-ing - and on to the ROW. There was no collision and cannot imagine any injuries. The train was able to clear, but there was still "head scratching time" between the cops and FEC officials.
We were delayed about twenty minutes - big deal. All told, $72 well spent.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Even I, with very low wine standards, skip over Cupcake. But glad everything else went well. Wonder if you can have a beer in lieu of wine. I’ll take a Guinness over a mediocre wine any day.
I guess Amtrak can’t let you select seat based on direction of travel and location of seat because they have no clue on a daily train specific basis which cars are being used.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Well, now that the act has been moved 40 miles up the road, and Black Beauty is back in my custody, first was an "ABC Run" to get two bottles of a Gruner Veltliner and a Papa John's pizza. One glass of that, along with a Chardonnay at the hotel's "Manager's Reception", I'm ready for the bunkhouse. Two 11PM nights are enough for me.
Mr. Palmland, last time I had "suds", was @ Kam's in Champaign - that's been a while, needless to say.
Posts: 10970 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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