Originally Posted by
3Cforme
Can you point to common examples of single train service between points A and B where there isn't a monopoly?
Big airlines have multiple hub and spoke networks, like the internet. If AAA-BBB can't be operated due to some disturbance along the way (not at AAA or BBB), they can just route traffic AAA-xxx-BBB. Many airline major city pairs also have high frequency, something Amtrak generally lacks outside the the NE Corridor.
Acela trains are sold as premium service. I'm not surprised Amtrak sought the surcharge.
I don't deny your point that monopoly exists on all train lines but that should not be an excuse for lack of customer service.
Amtrak may have done a great marketing job to fool the suits but the Acela's are hardly a premium product. The run on the same track, have uncomfortable seats in business, save 10 minutes or so during travel, wifi is so-so, and they still get stuck behind the same NJ Transit trains. Still under normal circumstances they may be "perceived" as premium but during times of system breakdown when even they are crawling and have just been given a priority to maintain the perception of eliteness, passengers should be accommodated if there is space available especially when 15 Amtrak employees can be allowed to ride it. And from what I understand employees are not suppose to ride the Acelas by waving their badges but they do (wink wink with the conductor). On the airlines if you have employee or buddy passes then you are lower down in the stand by list till all the customers have been accommodated.