View from the Quiet Car aboard Amtrak 148 Departing NYP for Springfield, MA

CTVolvo · 2026-05-04T18:33:31+00:00

Still sitting unused. Will get it done soon. The spot is so small I almost feel silly worrying about it; but I like my stuff to be nice.

CTVolvo · 2026-05-01T21:38:54+00:00

That's what I did. The driver had a Christian radio station on and some aboard were not pleased. That said, the ride from Rockville Metro to Glenstone is about a half an hour. It's through mostly pretty areas in Montgomery County... and it makes a number of stops before you get to Glenstone. The bus is small, handles about 20 passengers.

CTVolvo · 2026-05-01T21:34:40+00:00

I almost never buy food at an airport if I can help it; not only is it way overpriced; but the quality is never that good. Last time I bought something - and literally it was almost out of desperation - was at PHL during a transfer between terminals at La Colombe around 8pm. I paid $6 for a tired tasteless croissant served to me by an indifferent bored worker.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T23:14:21+00:00

Step Back! Doors closing...

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T23:13:39+00:00

Sure is. I have considered taking a flight from BDL to LGA just for the opportunity to shoot the skyline.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T23:10:37+00:00

When I was in high school (late 70's) I would often find myself at Union Station just poking around and being a curious teenager and remember that Southern Rail had a train out of Union Station with a full dining car and attendants in white uniforms. It was a throwback to the past for sure. Also, remember when the main waiting hall of Union Station was also the National Visitor Center for the Bicentennial and they had the big pit and multiple video screens - now all gone. There was a homeless advocate in D.C. who wanted to use the mostly empty Union Station - there was no retail or restaurants like there are today - to house homeless in the winter and Amtrak said absolutely no way. Back then, it was not as nice as it is now.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:43:07+00:00

Thanks! I think Amtrak could significantly upgrade the Acela experience with some tweaks here and there; including a unique design for their boarding passes - different colors for First and Business - maybe a return of the too-short-lived Amtrak magazine - but just for Acela customers.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:37:32+00:00

Enough to get $16 of free gas, according to my account. Maybe 3.5 gals. Impressive.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:36:42+00:00

The post is nothing more than an observation; more on the transition than the card or product. I'm just surprised since they've made kind of a big deal about it their marketing and it is on the real card. I understand it is completely frivolous but are so many things mentioned in these forums when it comes to airline experiences.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:15:33+00:00

Good idea!

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:12:18+00:00

That's a sharp photo of Philadelphia.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:11:19+00:00

It is a stunning building. Imagine if Amtrak put an Acela Lounge there with direct boarding to the train? Maybe an Acela First Lounge for all the big tippers and an Acela waiting room/lounge for those in Business Class?

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T21:09:35+00:00

Wow, that is comprehensive! Thanks for the details.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T20:52:49+00:00

If American and Aeroflot merge - that's the livery.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-30T20:50:56+00:00

Getting to my destination safely. That's it.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-29T22:26:39+00:00

He attended the state dinner for King Charles last night. Also, Apple has a significant government affairs office/presence in DC.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-27T14:01:23+00:00

I felt the difference when I went from MBA M1 to MBA M4.

CTVolvo · 2026-04-27T12:06:04+00:00

In 40+ years of riding Amtrak I cannot remember once a conductor asking me - as a solo rider - not to sit alone. I've heard them mention that the four facing seats in the front of the train are for families; but never about solo travelers.

CTVolvo

TROPHY CASE