5.0
Pros: Overall, it was a very pleasant trip. I and my two teenage grandkids were members of our party of three. The seats were comfortable and I was fortunate to have no seat mate next to me for the whole trip. We will take the train again! Cons: Here are some suggestions from my trip experiences: 1) Add armrest between seats to allow more privacy and comfort for strangers sitting right next to each other on most long trips. Had I had a stranger as seat mate, since there was no armrest in between the seats, I would have felt uncomfortable. Don't know if it is possible cost-wise for Amtrak to add this equipment. 2) Provide easier accesses to restrooms for elderly or handicapped passengers. The stairways going to the downstairs restroom are extremely narrow and steep. I am over 75 and in good health so I had no problems handling it. I can see this is a hazardous situation for some people. 3) Provide online real-time updates to the passengers on the train so that they can inform their families and friends on arrival time with frequent delays 4) Inform the passengers at booking time what types of meal/food services will be available on the train. 5) Clear signs on where the observation car and dining car are located on the train to avoid passengers wandering around looking for them. Tips: Bring blankets, plenty of water and food.
5.0
Pros: nice , safe and cheap way to travel, I really enjoy it. Cons: your on time thing.