AA4ever, I hope your experience does not completely sour you on Amtrak. My s.o. and I are both pilots for JetBlue (as such we fly free) and prefer to take Amtrak vs the airplane whenever our schedules and the routing allow. We really prefer the relative space on the train, as well as the lack of security screening, etc..

Your observations are completely valid, and I'm sorry the tone of some of the respondents is not more sympathetic. There are those who would defend Amtrak at all costs. IME NY Penn has the most surly Amtrak employees, both station-based and on board the trains. Amtrak has even less oversight of its crews than the airlines do, so bad apples slip through quite frequently. In recent years I've found the crews to be better about communicating mechanical delays especially; sorry that was not the case for your trip.

We completed a r/t NYP-RTE 128 the same dates you traveled, o/w in Acela F and o/w in Regional Business. I agree fully that NYP was a complete zoo, and less pleasant than just about any airport.... but again, I enjoy the lack of TSA hassle and the actual ride more than being on a jet. Basically, a regional in any class or Acela Business class provides zero service. You are paying for the transportation, and in the case of Regional Business a newspaper, one free drink, and far less chaos than Regional coach. 'Service' at your seat really doesn't exist unless you are in Acela F, and carries a hefty premium. Our outbound in Acela F was packed, fun, and included a decent lunch with warmed nuts and a few free drinks. Very friendly service from the attendant which warranted a nice tip upon detraining. It also cost roughly twice the return fare in Regional Business.

On the return, we had about a 95 minute delay due to trainline failures and a locomotive problem (in Regional Business). We didn't particularly mind since we were enjoying our free time, a NY Times crossword and a quiet Business Class car, but the updates were appreciated. Additionally, Amtrak DOES care about mechanical delays and is sending vouchers for about 25 bucks each (approximately half the railfare-only portion) our way.

I hope you'll give them another try; perhaps a better understanding of what Amtrak provides vs. the airlines will help. It's awfully nice to start and end in city center minus a cab/LIRR/A-train trip to the airport (although Reagan National is pretty darned close). Cheers and Happy New Year.