It does seem like 95 hours for the Canadian run is a little too long, even if daylight viewing for the Canadian Rockies is enhanced. I wonder if the Empire Builder might, eventually, follow suit and lengthen its timetable?
A 53 ft, intermodal container for passengers might be kind of neat. Bringing back the mixed train concept. If you could squeeze in 3 bedrooms (6 passengers), a lounge and a diner, $1800 for 6 people would translate to just $300 per person on a LD train. With Precision Scheduled Railroading, could it work?
Richard
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Richard, I GUESS there is a winemaking industry within Canada, but be assured it is "not exactly" a mature industry. I am appalled by reviewing a "Canadian Wine Country" site how the vintners do not specify grapes beyond White or Red, but I'm not about to immediately find out.
I had given thought during June to drive out to School (South Kent, CT) for a Reunion (I honestly don't know if I can make the next Class, 60th, in 2021). I wanted to drive through Canada (my new buggy can detect if it is in Canada, and will automatically change the Speedo from miles to Klicks) to catch concerts by the Toronto Symphony (last heard '82) and L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (only heard Stateside), but, alas, I'm going to Salzburg during August (again), so "Something's gotta give".
But really, even as a excursion train, 95hrs - and it's still late, can The Canadian be considered viable transportation? Time to seek a private operator or shut it down.
yukon11 Member # 2997
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I think, in the past, there has been some rumors that the Canadian would be privatized. However, regardless of whomever might take over, they would still have to genuflect before CN or CP. I can, nevertheless, understand CN's or CP'S position on the issue.
The last time I was in Canada, I sampled a glass of Wayne Gretzky chardonnay. As much as I admire Wayne Gretzky, I couldn't stand his wine. I think I'm spoiled by Calif. wines. Even cheap Calif. chardonnay, in my opinion, can be very good.
It's about the only thing positive, these days, I can say about Calif.
Richard
palmland Member # 4344
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Richard, the WSJ article that GBN posted today made me think about your last comment. I’m no fan of CA but somehow they do a pretty good job of managing and growing intrastate rail passenger.
Perhaps that’s a better model of how to build corridor ridership than rely on the heavy hand of Amtrak.
Of course the challenge then becomes getting the states to coordinate their efforts.
Of interest is this take on it by the daily blog Axios (usually interesting but I often gringe when reading):
“Why it matters: A strong passenger rail system would help America reduce greenhouse emissions, ease the stress on our degraded road infrastructure and provide an option for young urbanites to keep avoiding cars.
The bottom line: Amtrak will struggle to make this happen. The Senate blocked a proposal to convert part of one long-distance line into a bus route last year, by a vote of 95 to 4, the Journal notes.”
yukon11 Member # 2997
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Mr. Palmland: I think your neck of the woods does a pretty good job with intrastate & interstate pasenger trains. I read where Cary, NC was voted as the No. 1 Amtrak station in the country.
I think the next move for Calif., now that HSR is axed, is to extend the P. Surfliners from San Luis Obispo to the Bay Area. Possibly Talgo equipment?
As far as reducing greenhouse gases are concerned, I recently watched a TV news interview with an environmentalist who wanted a ban on all jet aircraft fuel. They asked him "what would the aircraft run on"? The reply was "electricity". I guess they could have a big solar panel on top of the aircraft.
Richard
palmland Member # 4344
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Maybe they could fill the plane up with Lithium batteries!
Cary is a nice station, had no idea, or why, it was considered No. 1. Too bad it's so close to the new Releigh station. What I like about NC is their funding of station 'hosts'. They can't sell a ticket but are a good source of info for waiting passengers and help with the boarding process.
yukon11 Member # 2997
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I hope they would use Duracell lithium batteries, as they keep "going and going".
From the outside appearance of the station, it doesn't seem all that special. But, as the article states, overall ambience, agent friendliness, station cleanliness, and ease in boarding and detraining contribute to the high ranking.
I've only been in a handful of Amtrak stations. My favorite, so far, is Whitefish, MT.
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