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Last Tuesday (12/22/09) I was scheduled to ride train 784 from SBA to LAUPT departing at 2:00PM. I arrived at the station at about 1:45PM and stood outside in very windy and cold (for SBA) weather with a larger than usual crowd. When the 2:00PM departure time came and went with no announcements I dialed "Julie" and got a non-commital message about a delay. No details. At about 2:15PM an announcement was made of a "delay" of up to an hour and it was suggested that everyone move inside. The luggage carts were pulled back inside as well. If you know the Santa Barbara station you know it has limited inside space. I stayed outside in the lee of the building and made a few phone calls. "Julie" still had no information. At about 2:40PM an announcement was made that the train had struck "a trespasser" just "North" of the station.
The train finally arrived at about 3:15PM and I was later able to piece together that it had hit an adult male walking two pit bulls across the tracks just east of the Las Positas overpass. The dogs were fine but the person who was hit was taken to Cottage Hospital with serious injuries.
The ride to LAUPT was uneventful with Business Class being about half-full (That surprised me, so close to Christmas). When the BC Attendant boarded in Oxnard she had to spend about twenty minutes cleaning up a spill in the galley area. Someone had pushed the "brew" button on the coffee machine twice causing an overflow. She ("Shirley") did a nice job of passing out the drinks and snack packs.
I got to the Flyaway bus about two minutes before it pulled out and had a longer than usual transit (about 35 minutes) to LAX. I got off at Terminal One and caught the Hotel Shuttle to the Four Points by Sheraton almost immediately.
I can't recommend this property. I was reminded that it has been many things over the years (including a TraveLodge). My room was fine for what I needed (I had to be up at 5:00AM for my flights to IAH and BNA) but there are better choices.
Hopefully 2010 will find me on more trains (and a few ships, of course!). My best to all of you!
Frank in cold but clear BNA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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The Four Points uses the same shuttle bus as the Hilton (at least, it has for the last few years). I've heard people get on the bus after leaving the Four Points saying what a horrible hotel it was. I would recommend the LAX Hilton next time. Usually the rates are reasonable, and the rooms are absolutely spotless. It's definitely an older property, but they maintain it well.
My one complaint about those free airport shuttle buses is that it takes too darn long to get from the hotel to the terminal. You have to stand outside and wait for the bus to eventually show up, then once you are on-board, the Hilton bus goes over to the Four Points where you have to wait for people to get off and on with all of their luggage. And if you are flying Virgin America (now in terminal 3 I think, but they used to be the 6th stop along the terminal!), it takes F O R E V E R to get to Virgin's ticket counter. A few trips ago it took me 45 minutes to get from my hotel to my terminal. The next time I went, I told myself "forget it!" and used a taxi to take me the very short distance. The taxi driver wasn't too happy when I told him I'm going to the airport, but I told him I'll give him a larger tip than usual. The buses might be free, but you get what you pay for!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Thank you so much for the report, Frank. Sorry for all the trouble you had (and, even worse, for the trouble the dog walker had)
Smitty, do you have a recommendation for a hotel to stay in if I just want to stay near Union Station (safely but not too expensivelyi.e., any taxi $10 or less--of using hotel shuttle, I don't mind as I'll leave myself plenty of time--but do hotels in LA other than airport have shuttles?)? When you go out the main door of Union Station, and the station is to your back, I would rather go left than right--i.e., don't want to stay up Alameda there, seemed a little seedy to me (much as I loved Phillipes/sp?). So I guess I am talking about staying in Downtown LA, then, is that right?
BTW, Smitty, I found another LA-set police show I like pretty well, The Closer. However, I find the sets very disappointing. Unlike Numb3rs, which makes reasonably ood use of LA locales (inc Union Station) even if it's not all filmed there, The Closer seems to be set mainly in generic parking lot/dumpy streets/highways--and I wouldn't be surprised if none of it is filmed in LA at all!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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The only downtown LA hotels that I've stayed in are the Omni and the Westin Bonaventure. The Omni is very nice, and they have a free Lincoln Towncar service that will take you anywhere in a 5 mile radius for free (which includes Union Station). I've used them to take me/pick me up when I take AmTrips. The Bonaventure is the round/mirrored hotel that is sort of a famous landmark because the exterior has been used in so many movie settings. I think the Westin probably offers some decent deals on Priceline, but I'm guessing with any downtown hotel, there will be a slight premium.
What I've also done many times is take the Red Line (located at Union Station downstairs) out to the Universal City stop. Once you get there and pop up to ground level, you can walk across the street (towards the big "NBC Universal" building) where there is a free Universal Studios shuttle tram that takes you up the hill. The two hotels up there are the Sheraton and the Hilton---both very nice hotels. I prefer the Hilton, however. It's about a 20 minute trip one-way on the Red Line---very easy to use, and you're at Universal's front door should you want to go in the park or take a "back lot" tram tour.
The Closer is a great show! I think that gal is married to Kevin Bacon.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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And speaking of Surfliners, some might be interested in this response by CEO Boardman regarding the domino effect of things that took place during the very busy Thanksgiving travel period. I knew of the "meltdown" that took place, however, what I did NOT know is that the passengers apparently got so fed up with the massive delays that they started ripping out the emergency windows!! 27 windows in all. Here is the text of Boardman's letter to RailPAC:
December 17, 2009 Mr. Paul Dyson, President Rail Passenger Association of California 1017 L Street PMB 217 Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Paul: Thank you for your letter of December 5,2009, regarding unacceptable service failures on the Pacific Surfliners. We are equally disappointed with the recent service failures on the Surfliner service.
You know, as well as I, that we have higher expectations for our service delivery, and it is not due to neglect that these unfortunate situations occurred. Our mechanical and transportation personnel on the Southwest Division give their undivided attention to the Surfliner service, and I support their efforts wholeheartedly.
We were very dissatisfied with the events that occurred on one of our busiest days of the year. On November 25, Train 567 experienced a head-end power (HEP) failure. As a result, we decided to couple to Train 769 and proceed to Los Angeles. As we approached Anaheim, Train 769 also experienced an HEP failure. At this point, it was decided to have Train 573 run around the double set creating a triple set that would operate to Los Angeles. The triple set proceeded towards Los Angeles and while traversing the flyover, approximately three miles from Union Station, a passenger pulled the emergency cord causing the train to stop. This delayed the train about 30 minutes to locate and reset the emergency valves. The original plan in place was to separate the three sets immediately upon arrival in Los Angeles to ensure the equipment would not block the station tracks due to the excessive length.
Upon arrival at the station, it was discovered that unruly passengers had removed several windows and stuffed the majority of toilets with paper, further delaying the train. It took a substantial amount of time to repair the 27 windows and multiple toilet failures. As you can imagine, this was a difficult situation that was not easy to resolve in a timely manner. Passengers experienced delays from 2′35″ to 5′45.” Our staff did their best to recover and ensure that everyone arrived at their destination in a safe manner.
The incident on December 5 was initially believed to be caused by a blown turbo on Engine 459, Train 769. To recover, we decided to annul the train and put the passengers on Train 571 an hour later. Passengers traveling north of Los Angeles would board Train 775. It was known that there would not be equipment in Goleta, so busses were arranged to transport passengers to Los Angeles to protect their connection with Train 796 to San Diego. Passengers on Train 769 were delayed 1 ‘29″, Train 571 29,” and Train 775 2′25.”
A complete analysis was conducted on Engine 459, and it was discovered that the problem was not a blown turbo charger, but with the SRS sensor involving the electronic fuel injector. The current procedure in preventive maintenance (PM) is a visual inspection of the SRS and TRS EMDEC sensors. Although this is a rare failure in our Surfliner fleet, mechanical has now implemented a complete download of the EMDEC system during the PM cycle, which will help prevent a recurrence of this situation. We realize that a critical factor is HEP failures on the Surfliner fleet. There is a “request for proposal,” (RFP) out to replace the HEP plant on all units. This has been funded, and we can expect that work will start soon after the RFP is awarded. As for your other requests, we offer the following information:
· Effective this week, we will be changing our operating plan to provide for a protect locomotive to be positioned in San Diego that can be used in the event of a locomotive failure in the Surfliner service. · We are negotiating a cross-lease agreement with NCID to use their locomotives on an as-needed basis. We do not have the same opportunity with Metrolink due to the tight turns and location of their equipment at outlying points making it a time issue to get a locomotive to the Surfliner route. Even with an agreement in place with NCTD, it can take up to three hours to get a locomotive from Stuart Mesa, the Coaster layover facility, to San Diego. This timeframe includes requesting a locomotive, calling a crew, getting the Coaster contractor to inspectltestlMAP the unit, obtain warrants and deadhead to San Diego. However, we plan on having the cross-lease in effect should it be needed. · The freight locomotives are not ATS or, more importantly, HEP-equipped, so we cannot rely on that option. As discussed above, we do have a plan to replace the units. · We will establish a cross-lease agreement with NCTD; however, it is not economically practical to have standby trains and extra crews under pay to handle emergency situations. In response to your email of December 14 on the annulment of Train 567, Engine 452 on inbound Train 590 experienced a ground relay indicating an electrical ground in one of the traction motors. The crew, working in conjunction with the mechanical troubleshooting desk, attempted to cut out the traction motor. Since we were unable to resolve the problem, Train 592 coupled to Train 590 to shove the equipment to San Diego. Train 567, which turns from 590, was cancelled and passengers transferred to Train 769, incurring a 1′20″ delay. We want our equipment and service to be impeccable. Our Mechanical Department is addressing the locomotive failures and they have assigned the highest priority to this task. We value the partnership and contributions made by the State of California. They, and your organization, are valuable partners, and we ask for your continued support in our endeavors to make improvements. Sincerely, (signed) Joseph H. Boardman President and Chief Executive Officer
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Sorry,but the removal of windows and stuffing the toilets was downright nasty and wrong. Granted the delays must have been very annoying,and handled better. But civility before anomosity should be the chosen path.
Posts: 498 | From: New Hope, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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I've never taken the subway in LA, Scotty. Is it maneuverable with luggage, or too crowded to try?
I'm wondering if maybe I should stay someplace north of LA (probably on the Surfliner line) and come down in the morning, catching my train later in the day. Santa Barbara hotels are too expensive, and San Luis Obispo hotels are not near the train station (plus that's a longish trip). Is there anyplace you recommend?
That actress is married to Kevin Bacon; the southern accent is faked, too (she is from NYC).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Ms. Sojourner -- our experiences with the L.A. subway system on our 2008 trip were fine. All the subway lines are easily accessible from the AMTRAK platforms at L.A. Union Station, and neither the Red Line nor the Yellow Line, which we rode (Yellow Line with luggage) were overly crowded. You shouldn't have any problem with your luggage. It is a little bit of a walk from the AMTRAK platforms to the Red Line on the lower level (Yellow Line, to Chinatown and Pasadena, boards from the same level as the AMTRAK trains), but if your luggage has wheels, you should be OK -- you don't have to go out into the street or anything like that.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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All good hotel recommendations from the members; I'll just add the Metro Plaza - a 5-7 minute walk from Union Station on the east edge of Chinatown. Out-of-town Amtrak crew members sometimes stay here. It is NOT at the Hilton/Hyatt level of course, but small, clean rooms and close-close-close to LAUS. 213.680.0200-for res. and directions.
Wow- that Boardman letter was really something! The criminal vandalism by Surfliner passengers is sickening. Removing windows? Gotta be some kind of Federal violation. If only these perps could be caught and dealt with...perhaps they came from broken families and were never taught the difference between right and wrong? Grrr!
LA subways are generally clean, safe and easy to use. The Yellow! (actually GOLD) Line now goes all the way out to East LA. Nice scenic trip with good restaurants at the end and along the way. Try "Mariachi Plaza." Good luck Miss Sojourner...
Posts: 588 | From: East San Diego County, CA | Registered: Oct 2004
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I read on another forum that the reason the people got out of hand is because when the train (all three trains connected together) FINALLY made it to Union Station, the rear-most train was too long for the platform. Because of this, the packed train (with no air, no water, no toilets, no food) was told to "stay on-board" until a switcher engine comes from the yard, unhooks them, and moves them over to a different platform. By that time, the people had said, "Enough!" and just wanted out. While they did the wrong thing, I have to say that I understand their frustration.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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My apololgies, Smitty and Ms. Sojourner -- yes I did in fact mean the Gold Line, not the Yellow Line. Sorry about that........
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Once again Ms. Sojourner, I have an LA recommendation but recognize you may not find that "the price is right".
The Biltmore in Downtown. Taxicab recommended between there and LAUPT, but still reasonably close.
One of these days, I just might "come on out' as I would really like to hear the LA Philharmonic under Dudamel perform at Disney with its well noted acoustics.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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One of these days, I just might "come on out' as I would really like to hear the LA Philharmonic under Dudamel perform at Disney with its well noted acoustics.
You realize, of course, Gil, that Gustavo Dudamel is a product of El Sistema in Venezuela. Aren't you afraid that you're overstepping political correctness with your taste in conductors? Better play up the Disney venue more than the Dudamel angle, so we don't think you're a creeping Socialist.
Peace and Happy New Year!
Posts: 1530 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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