I took a roundtrip from Philly to DC recently. I do not think Amtrak is going in the right direction. The cars were clean and all the staff was very friendly. After getting bounced around leaving Philly it was smooth sailing (except for constant rattle the coach made the whole way) until just out side of baltimore. Then is was just rough track all the way to DC with speed resrictions. I don't remember it being like this 4 years ago or taking 2 hours. The return trip was the same way except 3 times the lights went out in the car and then came back on. This car was rattle free also. DC staff and train crew very friendly too. Both trains were full and on time. Stations were spotless This is not a bash on Amtrak and I know what they are always up against. I will continue to ride Amtrak to avoid driving and still better than going to the Airport. Does anyone know if they are doing or planning trackwork on the NEC to make it better?
I travel that route on rail frequently on business and try to always get on the Acela.
It doesn't sound to me like you were on the Acela since it is nothing like you describe. Riding the Acela for me is comparable to traveling on the ICE of the Deutsche Bahn in Germany.
Originally posted by toddstrick: I took a roundtrip from Philly to DC recently. I do not think Amtrak is going in the right direction. The cars were clean and all the staff was very friendly. After getting bounced around leaving Philly it was smooth sailing (except for constant rattle the coach made the whole way) until just out side of baltimore. Then is was just rough track all the way to DC with speed resrictions. I don't remember it being like this 4 years ago or taking 2 hours. The return trip was the same way except 3 times the lights went out in the car and then came back on. This car was rattle free also. DC staff and train crew very friendly too. Both trains were full and on time. Stations were spotless This is not a bash on Amtrak and I know what they are always up against. I will continue to ride Amtrak to avoid driving and still better than going to the Airport. Does anyone know if they are doing or planning trackwork on the NEC to make it better?
Amtrak is in the process of replacing thousands of concrete ties along the NEC that have a manufacturing defect.
Looks like uncle Luigi must have been involved in the concrete contract!
Rob M. ARHS # 3846 PRRT&HS # 8141 EPTC
"Life Is Like A Mountain Railway, With An Engineer That's Brave..."
The NE Corridor trackage is one of the most heavily traveled routes in the USA. Its usually in fairly good shape but Amtrak has to start keeping up with the maintenance. Amtrak already has the lions share of Boston to DC travel business and now keeping the route safe and up to date will be the challenge.
Posts: 2720 | Location: Hillsborough, NJ USA | Registered:: April 26, 2004
