All about the Autotrain

[Marshay]

BAD NEWS a friend taking the train in late June... Dear Auto Train Passenger, In an effort to be good stewards of the federal funding received to operate our Amtrak service, a number of steps are being taken to eliminate losses in our Food and Beverage department over the next five years. Some of the changes being made to accomplish this include the discontinuation of select amenities offered on Auto Train. Effective March 14, 2014, the Sleeping car lounge will be removed from Auto Train and replaced with an additional Coach car to allow greater seating capacity for our passengers. Additionally, complimentary wine served with dinner will be discontinued as well as the on-board wine and cheese tastings for Sleeping car passengers. Passengers will continue to receive all regular meals in the dining car at no additional charge, and passengers may purchase cheese and cracker trays and other snacks, as well as liquor, wine and beer, in the Lounge car. While it is never easy to tell you, our valued customers, that we are eliminating some of the amenities, these changes are necessary in order to reduce costs, increase revenues and preserve passenger rail service across our country. If you have any questions or comments about these changes, feel free to contact me using the “contact us” link on the Amtrak.com home page. Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage. Sincerely, Mark Murphy General Manager, Long -Distance Services

Believe me, I'm not happy about this! There were some previous discussions a few pages back but feel free to add your thoughts, too!

 

[lynz421]

Believe me, I'm not happy about this! There were some previous discussions a few pages back but feel free to add your thoughts, too!

I heard RUMORS... but now it appears official

 

[jwboucher]

This is something I found on the Amtrak forum. Looks like the menu is changing too (May?)




Amtrak Southeast Deputy General Manager Tom Kirk and Auto Train route director Kathy Brewer have announced service cuts and changes on Auto Train as detailed:


1. Remove First Class Lounge, all pax to use one Lounge Car.

a. Eliminate LSA, $550,000 labor cost reduction
b. Eliminate complimentary wine and cheese
c. Removing Lounge to add 5th coach for revenue passengers
d. Target date - 3/14

2. Eliminate complimentary wine in diner

a. Sleeper and Coach diner @ $275,000 ($221,500 and $54,000
respectively)
b. Target date - 3/14
c. Also an OIG report item (named in Inspector General report on
food and beverage costs -GP)

3. Add 5th Coach

a. Increase revenue $1,500,000
b. Target date - 3/14

4. Realign consist to have food service cars together and centered in
train

a. Sleeper diner
b. Table car
c. Coach diner
d. Coach Lounge
e. Start staggered seating in Sleeper Diner

5. Move to single menu for all diners

a. Target date - May menu change
b. Incremental savings on F&B (TBA i.e.: linen elimination cost
savings)
c. Eliminate Sleeper Diner Food Specialist (no china) $550,000 labor
savings
d. Initiate at room beverage service (revenue) for sleeper
passengers in lieu wine
e. Initiate alcohol sales promotion in diner

6. Pass rider fee initiative

a. Revenue
i. Average 8050 annual pass riders @ $30 fee = $214,000 (use
as F&B transfer)
ii. Average 4600 vehicles @ $75 fee = $345,000
iii. Total revenue generated = $586,000
b. Also an OIG report item
c. Need to work with Marketing to implement


Total cost savings initiative $1,564,000 Total P&L impact $3,650,000 (F&B P&L impact $1,777,000)

 

[Marshay]

Thank you for sharing!

Ugh!! I am disappointed in these new cuts in services. Yet again, the value of the AutoTrain has gone down.

 

[jwboucher]

Thank you for sharing! Ugh!! I am disappointed in these new cuts in services. Yet again, the value of the AutoTrain has gone down.

It sinks. I was looking forward to riding in a roomette for the first time now I am ready to bail out.

 

[infopurposesonly]

By "single menu for all diners," do they mean only one entree choice at dinner, or the same menu for coach and sleeper passengers?

 

[Marshay]

By "single menu for all diners," do they mean only one entree choice at dinner, or the same menu for coach and sleeper passengers?

I assume they have to still give some choices but you know it'll be the lesser quality menu from coach.

I really am not happy at all. Sure I'm not taking the train ONLY for the lounge car, wine, reception, tablecloths, silverware, cookies, etc but it really added to the experience. I could put a value in those things and justify the price for the AT. Because after all, it IS cheaper to drive or fly. But when I considered the WHOLE picture, which included going to the lounge car and relaxing and talking to others, eating the snacks, drinking a glass or three of wine, dining like I was in a restaurant -- it MADE the whole train an enjoyable experience.

Now it'll be a mad rush to get to the SINGLE lounge car with several hundreds of others who want to sit there too or be cooped up in your seat/room. If I wanted to be cooped up the whole time I would fly or drive.

And with these changes effective immediately but our money already paid for our fall trip, I can't even cancel since they will charge me a cancellation fee!

So we will keep our trip this fall but we decided NOT to do the AT this summer for our trip we just decided to add. We have more time since kids are not in school so we will try driving again.

 

[poison ivy]

Thanks for posting that info.

I can't believe how much is changing. I'll be curious to see how it all works out with only one lounge car. We didn't indulge in the complimentary wine so that was a perk I never factored in.

I'm wondering if BYOB is allowed. Truthfully though, we're not talking a big expense on a bottle of Riesling here - but I can certainly understand the feelings regarding this.

 

[monorailsilver]

Two weeks from today is our departure.

Having never been on before I am sure we will just walk thru the only lounge car and then return back to our rooms.

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for posting that info. I can't believe how much is changing. I'll be curious to see how it all works out with only one lounge car. We didn't indulge in the complimentary wine so that was a perk I never factored in. I'm wondering if BYOB is allowed. Truthfully though, we're not talking a big expense on a bottle of Riesling here - but I can certainly understand the feelings regarding this.

I see they are starting an at-room beverage service for a fee, too...

 

[jad215]

I assume they have to still give some choices but you know it'll be the lesser quality menu from coach.

I really am not happy at all. Sure I'm not taking the train ONLY for the lounge car, wine, reception, tablecloths, silverware, cookies, etc but it really added to the experience. I could put a value in those things and justify the price for the AT. Because after all, it IS cheaper to drive or fly. But when I considered the WHOLE picture, which included going to the lounge car and relaxing and talking to others, eating the snacks, drinking a glass or three of wine, dining like I was in a restaurant -- it MADE the whole train an enjoyable experience.

Now it'll be a mad rush to get to the SINGLE lounge car with several hundreds of others who want to sit there too or be cooped up in your seat/room. If I wanted to be cooped up the whole time I would fly or drive.

And with these changes effective immediately but our money already paid for our fall trip, I can't even cancel since they will charge me a cancellation fee!

So we will keep our trip this fall but we decided NOT to do the AT this summer for our trip we just decided to add. We have more time since kids are not in school so we will try driving again.

Agree 100% Marshay...so now not only are we paying DOUBLE for our LOR-SFA October trip (we used points for the way back) than we normally would have even booking at exactly 11 months out, we are getting WAY less amenities. I have a feeling they are really going to regret this decision and are going to lose a lot of customers. The value just isn't there anymore for the cost especially with the price increases.

 

[MinnieGi]

I assume they have to still give some choices but you know it'll be the lesser quality menu from coach.

I really am not happy at all. Sure I'm not taking the train ONLY for the lounge car, wine, reception, tablecloths, silverware, cookies, etc but it really added to the experience. I could put a value in those things and justify the price for the AT. Because after all, it IS cheaper to drive or fly. But when I considered the WHOLE picture, which included going to the lounge car and relaxing and talking to others, eating the snacks, drinking a glass or three of wine, dining like I was in a restaurant -- it MADE the whole train an enjoyable experience.

Now it'll be a mad rush to get to the SINGLE lounge car with several hundreds of others who want to sit there too or be cooped up in your seat/room. If I wanted to be cooped up the whole time I would fly or drive.

And with these changes effective immediately but our money already paid for our fall trip, I can't even cancel since they will charge me a cancellation fee!

So we will keep our trip this fall but we decided NOT to do the AT this summer for our trip we just decided to add. We have more time since kids are not in school so we will try driving again.

So agree!! And also so disappointed with all these changes. These little things - happy hour, lounge car, wine with dinner, linen table clothes, menu choices etc.. really made the trip special for us! It was so relaxing - maybe in part due to all that wine!! LOL! But really we loved the first class treatment and it justified the extra expense of AT.

I cannot imagine just one lounge car!! When we took the train the AT one was always filled! Do not see how just one lounge will work out at all!

We also have already paid for our AT for next fall or we might really think about flying again. Our next trip after that though we will I know really be thinking about flying especially since Frontier has now opened service at our little regional airport that would avoid alot of hassles of flying out of Philly...

 

[Marshay]

Agree 100% Marshay...so now not only are we paying DOUBLE for our LOR-SFA October trip (we used points for the way back) than we normally would have even booking at exactly 11 months out, we are getting WAY less amenities. I have a feeling they are really going to regret this decision and are going to lose a lot of customers. The value just isn't there anymore for the cost especially with the price increases.

I hear ya!!

Please make sure to write to Amtrak and/or call and let them know. Maybe it won't make a difference ... Maybe it will.

I need to go stalk an amtrak discussion board, if there is one. I wonder if we are majority or or not...

 

[Marshay]

So agree!! And also so disappointed with all these changes. These little things - happy hour, lounge car, wine with dinner, linen table clothes, menu choices etc.. really made the trip special for us! It was so relaxing - maybe in part due to all that wine!! LOL! But really we loved the first class treatment and it justified the extra expense of AT. I cannot imagine just one lounge car!! When we took the train the AT one was always filled! Do not see how just one lounge will work out at all! We also have already paid for our AT for next fall or we might really think about flying again. Our next trip after that though we will I know really be thinking about flying especially since Frontier has now opened service at our little regional airport that would avoid alot of hassles of flying out of Philly...

Yes, yes, yes!! Glad I am not the only one who enjoyed these special touches. Please write/call if you have not.

I wonder, too, how the lounge car will work...esp if they will show the movie multiple times/all evening. These were just the special touches that made us come back 1-2 times a year on the AT. My kids and I enjoyed the movie, cookies and hot chocolate ... It was a neat little treat...nothing spectacular but we looked forward to ending our day that way.

Also, since they are implementing the changes immediately but people bought 11 months ago, I wonder if they aren't going to see a drop in revenue until 11 months from now from those who are not happy. But meantime, they will say that the plan is working when in reality, most folks won't cancel this year.

I don't know ... Just trying to think this through. I recognize it was another business decision that doesn't take the customer experience into account.

I could be all over the new stuff if prices dropped $200-300+ for my family. But whenever I check dates, prices are MORE than last year for less.

I will keep our Oct (points) and Nov (cash) travel. I'll give it a try. Who knows? Maybe it won't be that bad, esp if they start to offer good deals (ie cheaper prices). And since I used all my points up anyway for Oct, if we really don't like it, at least Oct was ~sort of~ free and we will look to either save money and drive or get there faster and fly.

 

[Disneyholic]

So agree!! And also so disappointed with all these changes. These little things - happy hour, lounge car, wine with dinner, linen table clothes, menu choices etc.. really made the trip special for us! It was so relaxing - maybe in part due to all that wine!! LOL! But really we loved the first class treatment and it justified the extra expense of AT.

I cannot imagine just one lounge car!! When we took the train the AT one was always filled! Do not see how just one lounge will work out at all!

We also have already paid for our AT for next fall or we might really think about flying again. Our next trip after that though we will I know really be thinking about flying especially since Frontier has now opened service at our little regional airport that would avoid alot of hassles of flying out of Philly...

We just were on the train from LOR to SFA on Sunday. Nice of them to not even let us know about the changes. Others said they got an e-mail. We didn't. We also have a round trip booked in August which was also booked before the changes. They ought to give us a refund for the amenities they took away. What they did is bait & switch. That is supposed to be illegal. Now I may not even get the better food that sleepers got. And with only one club car people from coach can walk the full length of the train including the sleeper areas. Can't lock the doors from the outside so I guess we will.only be leaving our sleeper for dinner & carrying a lot with me when we do. Someone from coach was talking to the bartender & asked if they could go back & check out an empty sleeper & she said sure. How will they know if is empty or the people are in the club car? Check each room til they find one with no luggage? Not happy at all.

 

[Tink's Pixieduster]

I hear ya!!

Please make sure to write to Amtrak and/or call and let them know. Maybe it won't make a difference ... Maybe it will.

I need to go stalk an amtrak discussion board, if there is one. I wonder if we are majority or or not...

Ask and you shall receive http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/58879-auto-train-cuts/

 

[Marshay]

We just were on the train from LOR to SFA on Sunday. Nice of them to not even let us know about the changes. Others said they got an e-mail. We didn't. We also have a round trip booked in August which was also booked before the changes. They ought to give us a refund for the amenities they took away. What they did is bait & switch. That is supposed to be illegal. Now I may not even get the better food that sleepers got. And with only one club car people from coach can walk the full length of the train including the sleeper areas. Can't lock the doors from the outside so I guess we will.only be leaving our sleeper for dinner & carrying a lot with me when we do. Someone from coach was talking to the bartender & asked if they could go back & check out an empty sleeper & she said sure. How will they know if is empty or the people are in the club car? Check each room til they find one with no luggage? Not happy at all.

Oh I didn't even think of this!! You are right...as a sleeper car passenger I enjoyed the privacy of the sleeper cars and not having everyone go past our room.

I can't believe you weren't told of these changes yet either. Pic didn't get the email either but my trip isn't until Oct.

 

[Marshay]

Ask and you shall receive http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/58879-auto-train-cuts/

Thanks! Going there now.

 

[Marshay]

Ask and you shall receive http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/58879-auto-train-cuts/

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[Vickie1016]

Hi all - Family & I are traveling in July. Today, we received the email letter regarding the removal of the sleeper lounge car.

I have several concerns - What other cuts will be taken prior to my July trip? Will the dinner menu change? DD8 does not like their macaroni or chicken nuggets - she likes the steak. If the menu changes, I need to pack her something for dinner. Will I be getting a refund being I paid for a services that are now being eliminated?

I did send them an email with all of my concerns. Hopefully I get a response.

Guess next year we will be driving if the services are cut & the price does not come down to reflect the cuts.