Amtrak between NYC Penn Station & Montréal

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Jun 12, 2024, 12:20 am

#46

PHXflier

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: PHX

Programs: Delta 3M DM, Southwest A List

Posts: 1,161

It appears that delays/cancellations because of CN-owned track is no longer limited to the Rouses Point to Montreal route: The Ocean (VIA service to Halifax) is now taking a couple of hours longer because of the deplorable state of CN-owned tracks in New Brunswick.

Jun 12, 2024, 2:12 pm

#47

lrdpenn

Join Date: Mar 2010

Programs: AA, UA, Marriott

Posts: 1,517

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHXflier

Sadly, good. The more attention to this issue in Canada, the better.

Is Amtrak really just leaving equipment in Saratoga Springs for ~6 hours? If so, there has to be a better use for it. They could cancel the "Adirondack" and run 2x/daily summer special "Empire Service" trains NYP<>SAR in the same amount of time.

Jun 12, 2024, 9:21 pm

#48

PHXflier

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: PHX

Programs: Delta 3M DM, Southwest A List

Posts: 1,161

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrdpenn

Sadly, good. The more attention to this issue in Canada, the better.

Unfortunately, VIA Rail does not have much political power in Canada... they are largely forgotten by the average Canadian. And The Ocean runs a few times a week, so there are not many people making use of it.

Jun 14, 2024, 5:45 am

#49

Bluesky

Join Date: Jun 2001

Location: Australia

Posts: 327

Quote:

Originally Posted by guv1976

Also, note that for the Southbound trip, if the train arrives ALB on time, it has a scheduled 40-minute dwell time there. I have not been through the ALB station in years, but they used to have a decent café there with food to go. So you might have time to pick up something for dinner there to bring on board the train. In fact, if the train is on time and you place a phone call at the right time, you could probably have a nearby pizzeria deliver a pizza or subs to you at the station entrance, which you could then bring back to the train!

Yeah I am going to stop at the ALB station. Do you remember what is the name of the cafe (or diner) near the station?

Jun 14, 2024, 5:47 am

#50

Bluesky

Join Date: Jun 2001

Location: Australia

Posts: 327

I saw a trip report from youtube. I am wondering what you think of the train's food? Is it edible and the price is reasonable?

Jun 14, 2024, 9:40 am

#51

lrdpenn

Join Date: Mar 2010

Programs: AA, UA, Marriott

Posts: 1,517

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky

I saw a trip report from youtube. I am wondering what you think of the train's food? Is it edible and the price is reasonable?

It's edible but keep your expectations in check. The quality of the sandwiches and hot items, which are generally microwaved, is gas station / convenience store level. There is usually at least 1 good beer. The pricing is reasonable: higher than street, but not exorbitant like airports.

This seems to show a flavor of what's generally available: https://www.businessinsider.com/amtr...orful-items-12

Bluesky likes this.