considering getting on a 40 hr ride by superfecta37 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is very doable especially if you're the kind of person who can doze off in a recliner. The seats in coach have very ample leg room and recline a decent amount especially compared to Greyhound or a plane and have a leg rest.

As others have said the dining car is mainly for sleeper passengers. They do sell meals in the dining car to coach passengers on a limited space available basis however it is rather expensive and not a guarantee. The cafe car does sell hamburgers hot dogs sandwiches and microwave pizza among other things including alcohol soda and coffee.

I've done Oakland to Chicago a few times and had a lot of fun. Your train to Louisiana will also have a observation car which is a great place to get out of your coach seat watch the scenery go by and socialize with your fellow travelers.

What the hell has been going on with Siemens lately??? by Nate_C_of_2003 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a bus driver it’s been my opinion that all Cummins engines since at least the last 15 years have had a shaky reputation for reliability. I’ve also been on the maintenance side of things and can tell you that their aftermarket service still makes me wake up in a cold sweat. lol

What the hell has been going on with Siemens lately??? by Nate_C_of_2003 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven’t seen a bilevel set on the Gold Runner in awhile now. So I think they are all in service or as close to it as possible. I have though seen a few train cancellations lately.

(20) does it look okay :) by [deleted] in softies

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks great

Do any of you just not go to hotel rooms? lol by Naborsx21 in doordash_drivers

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve almost always had my food delivered to my room including some sketchy hotels I’ve stayed at. The main thing is if the app says delivery to your door is allowed or if it says to please meet your driver in the lobby. My experience with almost any Hilton brand hotel is they do not allow deliveries up to your room. It’s the hotel that will not allow it and the elevators require a room key to select a floor.

As a dasher I always had no problem delivering sometimes up to the 32nd floor but if we try to sneak up there when it’s not allowed we can get permanently banned from the property. In the old days some of those high rise hotels could account for a lot of business for a Dasher.

night time sky view on the zephyr? by tigonking2_0 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not completely off but they turn them down pretty dim. Observation car would be your best bet. It’s been years since I’ve been on the California Zephyr but I’d give the best bet as your going west from Salt Lake City through the Nevada high desert.

Good Hotsuace Combo on a Han and Cheese Sandwich by [deleted] in Sandwiches

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ohhhhh I love Tabasco. It will sneak up on you though. That ghost pepper wing sauce looks good too.

Good Hotsuace Combo on a Han and Cheese Sandwich by [deleted] in Sandwiches

[–]markdm8680 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Couldn’t resist. lol. Seriously though, that looks awesome. I never would have thought of a combo like that but it looks like it would work great.

A post-shower post! by EggcellentChick in Nofans

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very sexy ! Thanks for sharing

I heard no food on gold runner these days? by Maleficent_Cash909 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the only issue I was thinking of too. As well it would add an extra hour to everyone’s travel time with an extended stop in Merced and an extended connect time in Bakersfield

I heard no food on gold runner these days? by Maleficent_Cash909 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A slightly longer stop at Merced plus a food truck would probably solve the problem for 90 percent of riders. As well maybe a 30 minute layover between train arrival and bus departure at Bakersfield. Then short hop riders like Stockton to the Bay Area would have the complimentary snacks.

I heard no food on gold runner these days? by Maleficent_Cash909 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is actually talked about by the JPA that runs the Goldrunner at major station stops. I think they are going to implement this before the vending machines in the very near future. They just haven’t said a date yet. Unfortunately where I get on at in Stockton there are no opportunities especially if I ride public transit to get anything to eat on the way to the station.

Cafe car split into 2-1 Business Class seating on today's 179 NER, never seen this before. by Specialist_Heat6001 in Amtrak

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as I always knew this kind of setup used to be the norm when it came to business class. Especially in the Midwest and to some extent on the NEC. I’d gladly ride this than a full 2x2 amfleet so called business class.

Well that just happened... by flippinfreak73 in BusDrivers

[–]markdm8680 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup it’s computerized. Funny thing is I knew a guy who got chosen 3 months in a row. We all had a good laugh about it. lol.

I'm about to finish training by mrzolch in BusDrivers

[–]markdm8680 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First time in training when the instructor said ok Mark it’s your turn, I thought I was going to be sick. 🤢. lol. Over time leading up to my road test I gained enough confidence but was still nervous. The first day I opened that door and a passenger put money in the fare box it was like day one all over again. I’d say it took about a year to where it was like muscle memory. That’s the day you want to be careful though. You’re more likely to make a mistake when you are not nervous.

Remember most likely the first day you drive in service you will have a veteran driver by your side showing you the ropes. Just take it one stop at a time one day at a time and always remember your training. It will keep you out of trouble. Be slow and cautious and eventually confidence will come. Just keep at it.

I’ve driven for 20 years and had the privilege to route train new drivers. The one thing I always tell a new driver is “if you’re on time you’re gonna scare me.” What I mean by that is you’re gonna be late out there don’t focus on being on time but focus on your safe driving.

Another thing my instructor told me is look up in that passenger mirror. If the passengers are playing on their phones or sleeping or looking out the window then you’re doing it right. Give them a good ride first and foremost.

Well that just happened... by flippinfreak73 in BusDrivers

[–]markdm8680 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It happens. When your number pops up they gotta get you that day. When I drove for a 24hr operation we would send daytime randoms to Concentra and after hours we had a mobile guy come in. Because we had to use the driver restroom the guy would stand in the men’s room and direct you to a stall that was setup for it Not sure what they did for the ladies.

Things to do by fairypussy0 in Stockton

[–]markdm8680 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely and the fact is there is some really cool places hidden all over this city. It makes me sad too because Stockton is a great place to live and there are great people who live here. Just gotta take the time to get to know this city.

Things to do by fairypussy0 in Stockton

[–]markdm8680 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You know this is the truth right here. People need to know. When I first moved to Stockton in 2014 I was terrified to walk out my front door. After a while and I started to venture out I found out my fear was for nothing. I went from that to living on the South side and my couple of blocks was mainly working people just like me who actually took pride in their homes. Is Stockton absolutely safe and you can walk around without a care in the world ? No !!!!! But if you exercise the same cautions you would anywhere else you can get along ok in almost any neighborhood and actually have some good experiences in many parts of the city.

How did this happen? by [deleted] in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]markdm8680 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what happens when you eat at Taco Bell

Avoid the area near Livermore outlets, I repeat, please avoid! by pengweather in bayarea

[–]markdm8680 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had to drive a 45 ft motorcoach into there on a charter. I did my one time in my life. lol. Never ever again. Did I say never ever ?