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A crew member phoned and told me that word has it that sleepers and dining cars will be removed from the Sunset in September or October. Despite the train's woes, I hope this is a cruel rumor somebody out put out there to upset my friend. This would expedite the ending of that train ,meaning UP would win and the railroads could move on to their next target. Amtrak's removal of sleepers and diners from the Silver Palm last year makes it somewhat believable and this would eliminate many costly refunds or travel vouchers. Has anyone heard anything?
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Not surprising if this rumor comes to pass, but let us be mindful that at this time it is unsubstantiated. There have been reports at other boards stating that "big changes were in the works'.
I would expect that Amtrak will soon no longer guarantee any same day connection anywhere with the Sunset and of course discontinue Trains 421-422 (CHI-LAX through cars).
Amtrak simply cannot afford to have scarce Diners and Sleepers "tied up' indefinitely and for that matter the OBS crews associated with their operation under pay - all with no offsetting additional revenue being earned.
However, what I do have difficulty "buying into" is this "conspiracy talk". I do not believe the UP or any other host road is intentionally delaying any Amtrak train. In the case of the Sunset, the road is simply saturated; you might say it is analogous to a major highway collision at rush hour.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 07-19-2004).]
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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SP tried this in the late 1960s. I saw #1 arrive in L.A. in Oct.69,with 1E9,a baggage car,coach,Automat,3 coaches.The ICC made SP reinstate the diner & sleepers,and at the same time,reduce train frequency to 3 times a week.
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