Now I ride Amtrak whenever I can, but this is one area I'll never understand. Why don't they have a reserved seat system on more trains? Or at least split the coach cars up into a reserved cars and a "general admission" cars. I for one, and I am sure that family would pony up a few more bucks to have a reserved seat. If the passengers are taking up two seats, and refuse to move, the conductor should charge them for two seats, and that's my two cents. Brad
This is done on all Northeast Corridor trains. IIRC, it's called Business Class. This also may be done on the West Coast corridor trains, but I've never ridden them, so don't know.
I have a disability that makes flying problematic. My physical health takes a turn for the worse when I fly. Add to it that I'm a big guy and airplane seats barely fit average people's bodies. Flying may be cheaper, but if you're miserable during the flight, or miserable once you get there, it isn't worth the price. Nevermind that I'm a railfan and a chance to ride the rails is a bit more appealing. :teeth:
My wife & I are taking the Lakeshore Limited (roomette) Toledo to Chicago, SW Chief (bedroom) to L.A., and Pacific Surfliner (Bus. Cl.Coach) to San Diego this summer. Reverse is the same except Capitol Ltd. Chicago/Toledo (roomette). I've ridden coach, and I will not go in the "greyhound" section again if I can help it. Cost w/AAA discount was $2400 R/T. I went to the Big E train show in Springfield Mass. last January, Lakeshore to Albany (roomette) and Bus. Cl. Coach from Albany to Springfield. The only way to go.
