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It doesn't appear so on one segment we had on our recent western trip. We were on a Sunset/Texas Eagle from Tucson to Dallas. It was plagued by a fire in the diner resulting in carryout lunch and dinner and a disabled freight train. This resulted in a 3'30" late arrival (had been 5' late at one point). The trip was very pleasant though thanks to excellent OBS and train crews who really did go the extra mile.
But, one OBS employee told me he was on this run because it allowed him to visit his mother in Dallas. He was on duty LA to San Antonio, then sometimes deadheads up to Dallas. He said, though, that he prefers to get off the train in San Antonio and make the short walk over to the Megabus stop and take it to Dallas. They have multiple departures.
With a little checking, his reasons were obvious: trip time on Amtrak is 8'20" and on Megabus it's 4'40". He said he also likes the free wifi on the bus. And for a paying passenger, they can pay $34 for value coach fare on Amtrak or $25 on Megabus. If you plan a week or so out, it's $5. Not much of a decision for all but the aged, infirmed, railfan, and LD leisure traveler.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Interesting Mr. Palmland.
Does the 421-422 Sleeper change Attendants en route, or was this OBS fellow you note a Waiter who, because of the additional demand, is only assigned LAX-SAS?
palmland Member # 4344
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It was the SCA attendant, GBN. Always there when needed and was happy to bring the good box lunches to all his pax. Hot coffee and ice always there and prompt bed turn down/make up. He was based in LA. The one that worked north from SanAntonio was based in Chgo.
DonNadeau Member # 61606
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Amtrak hasn't been price competitive in the NE Corridor vis-a-vis Megabus-type companies for years (to put it mildly), but thrives there because, well, its low-priced competitors operate buses.
Megabus & the like nearly never provide sheltered areas to wait.
They are grabbing the huge NE university student market & other young adults though. Amtrak should do more about that e.g., fix the Internet.
DonNadeau Member # 61606
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That answer above sounded snobbish.
I've used buses several times in the Northeast as recently as last year, when its schedule was more convenient to me. Also, a few years ago when had free time, took a Greyhound gambler's day special from NYC to Atlantic City, which was fun for this ex Monopoly player to experience. Had a great buffet lunch at Caesars and spent most of the time walking around.
Before leaving, had the best sub ever at the White House Sub Shop. Simply outstanding.
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