Passenger Trains > On board 147 to connect with 97

I boarded train 147 at Springfield a bit ago.  It is a regional from Springfield to Roanoke, so no shuttle and transfer at New Haven.  I received a text at 7:22 am that business class was at the front of the train and that my seat might be facing a different direction than I thought.  I don't care either way, but I know that some folks can get motion sickness riding backwards.  At least we had some notice, so seats coiuld be changed, I suppose...I looked, and there were no options.  The train is booked.

A good crowd boarded at Springfield, and I expect we will be full by New Haven or Stamford.  The train is not horribly dirty on the exterior, but it could use a bath, to be sure.  But again, not too bad.  I have a decent view of the Connecticut River at the moment.

On 97 I will be in car 9712.  This trip is a day shorter than most, and I return on 98 on Monday evening, booking out of Savannah before the St. Pat's day chaos!  I often stay for it, but I need to get back.

More as it develops.

You maye be in for big delays once in New York. NJT has one hour delays. They are having to single thread over the new Portal bridge since a catenary support tower is keeling over on the old Portal bridge ROW. 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/26 06:43 by joemvcnj.

Oh joy!  I would not mind it if the Meteor were an hour or two late at Savannah, but I should not be selfish and think only about breakfast!  I do hope things get cleared up.  I am not going to let it bother me.  And if things get horrific, like a 6 hour delay or cancellation, there will be a flight down from LGA!

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> You maye be in for big delays once in New York.
> NJT has one hour delays. They are having to single
> thread over the new Portal bridge since a catenary
> support tower is keeling over on the old Portal
> bridge ROW. 

Due to damaged Amtrak overhead wire infrastructure near the old Portal Bridge, NJ TRANSIT rail service is operating in both directions between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York with limited service and is subject to up to 60-minute delays. Northeast Corridor service will make local stops from Trenton to Newark Penn Station. North Jersey Coast will make local stops from Rahway to Newark Penn Station. 
 

I am in the lounge and things seem to be operating fairly normally again.  The train that I came in on was on time and departed on time.  Now, given recent performance, I fully expect 97 to be delayed.  That has been the norm lately.

I got some food here, quite good.  I recommend the ham and brie.  Add a bourbon, and life is excellent.  If is, after all, past noon.  I should note that the faux leaterh chairs in the lounge are showing sustantial wear and tear.  It is past time to replace them.

Now, some of you know a lot more of the details of Amtrak ops than I...I cannot imagine it would be, but is the Meteor a same day turn here, or does it lay over and head back the next day?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/26 10:15 by Chessie1963.

Chessie1963 Wrote:
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>
> I got some food here, quite good.  I recommend
> the ham and brie.  Add a bourbon, and life is
> excellent.  

You'll want to stock up for your trip. At a minimum Ask for a cup of Andes mints, the Planters nuts (they'll give you two packs) and a sealed beverage. I also recomend the hummas plate fand a salad course to complete your in lounge lunch. When your train gets called grab a togo iced tea or coffee and board via the Cuomo Concourse instead of the train hall esclators.


 

I am on board 97.  Looks like we will leave on time.  The train is dirty.  Happily, I am in room 4, and was able to wash the windows.  I do not know this attendant, but I talked with him about it.  He said, "Yea, people complained, including all of us, and they made it better for awhile, but we are right back to dirty trains again."  I told him I would complain and ask for a credit.  He said, "Oh, you will get it.  They give back money that they could keep if they could do things right."

Bingo!

Anyhow, the interior is awesomely clean, and I love the Viewliner II cars.  However, my early morning shower will likely be in the adjacent Viewliner I where there will be hot water.

The redcap recognized me and shook my hand.  I guess I am now a regular.

Chessie1963 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am on board 97.  Looks like we will leave on
> time.  
Did it?  Hopefully 97 loses time so You have time
for breakfast before SAV. 
> Anyhow, the interior is awesomely clean, and I
> love the Viewliner II cars.  However, my early
> morning shower will likely be in the adjacent
> Viewliner I where there will be hot water.
Suggestion - Take your shower tonight BEFORE
going to be bed because if you oversleep, 
You will already be "showered."
> The redcap recognized me and shook my hand.  I
> guess I am now a regular.

Bill,  we did leave on time, arrived in Savannah about 15 minutes late.  I have done the shower the night before in the past, but decided morning this trip.  I was up at Yemassee and took one in 9711, and it was great.  Shampoo and soap were available (though I bring my own).  I was not the first one to use it this trip, based on the dirty towel bag.

I had the steak for dinner, but opted for my room rather than the diner.  It has been a super busy period and I was enjoying the silence and not speaking to anyone.  I usually do the diner and meet interesting folks, but you know.  

The attendant was quite good, very professional and courteous.  Lewis, I believe, was his hame.  He brought me coffee from the diner before we arrived Savannah.  There was no coffee pot in our car, he said it was probably "borrowed" for another car.  However, at 6 am neither 9710 nor 9711 had coffee brewing.  Why is coffee suddenly hit or miss?  

Back home today, and 98 left Miami on time.  Yesterday's 98 is already at Philly, about 30 minutes early.


 

I always figured the first car attendant up in the morning went down to the galley, got fresh coffee and water, came back and made coffee.

Snatching away a coffee pot is serious theft!!

Quality control on Amtrak hasn't been a strong point over the decades. Many good employees, but consistency is lacking in some places.

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Interesting...... No coffee pots in either sleepers and they couldn't arrange something from the Viewliner II Diner? Come on Amtrak!!!!