Finally made a trip to NYC from DC by Amtrak Acela to & fro. It was a quick 2 day, 1 night business trip. Drove from Richmond and parked at DC Union station. It was simple 6 car consist with 1 dining car, 1 first and 4 business. Passengers all waiting which gate it will be on. I had to ask around old style to figure which one as the board did not update. The let us into the track only 5 mins before and it started moving as soon as all aboard and passengers haven't even settled. Run was impressive regularly cruising at 120mph and perhaps only once went up to 150mph as my speedometer showed but did not feel like it after Philadeplphia. Reached on the dot, no delay in 2:53 hrs. We are not used to such uneventful quick rides.
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| Acela locomotive facing NY |
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| Acela loco rear |
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| Platform with old intricate pillars |
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| Board at NYC Penn station |
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| Dining Car |
Return run was similar but we got delayed due to some track work going on which led to track being single in some portions and we had to wait for a NE Regional to pass, also some slow runs in between. Reached 20 mins delayed.
Dining car was simple snacks and basic food but nice area to sit and stand. Half the passengers had their laptops open so lot of business/office travellers. Some intermediate passengers as well from NY to Philly or Baltimore. Unless their business is close to station, wonder why would someone use this train for short runs. But getting into heart of NYC, 8th Avenue 31st street close to Times Square cannot be beaten. Airports are far away and traffic is humongous. I walked to hotel both ways and avoided any traffic only problem it was drizzling a bit.
DC Union - First time entered there and the main hall is HUGE and impressive. But the main boarding area is all congested where people line us to get to tracks. There are hardly people loitering in the main hall.
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| Moynihan Train Hall at NYC Penn station |
Moynihan was also impressive, more sleek, upscale with food hall and modern advertising. DC was heritage and Moynihan was uber.
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| DC Union station grand main hall |
Amtrak is going to introduce new trainsets from 28-Aug to give better experience to passengers. Glad I traveled in the old one to be able to compare with newer.
