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Topic: New Capitol Limited Schedule

TALKrr
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Member # 683

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posted

From what I understand, the Capitol's schedule is to change with the new Spring timetable.

First, if I am correct , EAST-bound it will depart Chicago EARLIER---at 5:20 PM (Central Time.) Are the schedules of the Builder, Zephyr , and Chief to be altered to accomodate connections with the Capitol to DC and points east ? What is the logic behind this change ? With the present schedule (departing Chicago at about 7 PM ) oftentimes a connection can not be made to the Capitol----let alone a departure that is 2 hours EARLIER.

In that I often use the Capitol both east AND westbound from Pittsburgh , this new schedule is "troublesome" (to say the least.) I do not know the actual arrival/departure times related to Pittsburgh---but I can "guess-timate." The options are NOT pleasing:

EAST-bound, departing Pittsburgh at about 4 AM ??

WEST-bound , departing Pittsburgh at about 1:30 AM ?

Does anyone know if this schedule change is "official" ? If so, what WILL be the arrival/departure times through Pittsburgh both east AND west bound ?

Also, how are same day connections to the Capitol from the Western trains going to be arranged ?

Posts: 187 | From: Pittsburgh , PA | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged |

TALKrr
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Member # 683

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posted

I DID forget about the Cardinal East-bound from Chicago. Sorry. I guess that is an option for passengers wanting a DC connection. But the Capitol (with its present schedule) DID offer an earlier arrival time into DC----and thus same day connection time to southern trains along the east coast.

Posts: 187 | From: Pittsburgh , PA | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged |

Geoff Mayo
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posted

Maybe cynical thinking on my part, but perhaps Amtrak wanted to make it a non-guaranteed connection from the west and are thus no longer liable for overnight stays for late inward workings from the west? Cost cutting basically.

Geoff M.

Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged |

dcfan
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Member # 2311

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Yikes! Thanks for the news. I am holding a ticket for connection between the SW Chief and the Capitol on April 29. issued prior to the schedule change. Now what?

Posts: 73 | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged |

CG96
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Member # 1408

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posted

This is unpleasant. The Builder, as it is currently scheduled, arrives in Chicago at 4:20. With the Capitol's earleir departure, this is just enough time to offer a guaranteed connection, but if the Builder is delayed for any reason - well, there goes the connection. Even with the 85 - 90 % on time arrival record of the builder, that still leaves 1 train in 10 that won't connect. Hopeully, Amtrak may change the schedule of the Builder a little bit, so as to continue this connection, but I doubt it.

Posts: 506 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged |

dcfan
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posted

I have three options for my trip (SWC-Capitol Ltd). 1. Keep the rservation as it is now with deluxe sleeper on the Capitol and take a chance on making the connection, 2. re-book to a viewliner standard on the Cardinal (24hr ride - Yikes), or 3. re-book on the Lake Shore and transfer in NYC to get to DC. There are few sleepers left on either train 48 or 50.

Any suggestions?

Posts: 73 | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged |

RRRICH
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Member # 1418

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posted

DCFAN- remember that the Cardinal only operates 3 days a week.......

Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged |

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