Does Amtrak realize it's too expensive?
Apr 19, 2007, 8:49 am
#31
Join Date: Apr 2007
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I readily admit that I don't fly to/from Boston, so I don't check fares, but you can get a ticket from NY to Boston for less than $58? Yes that is the low bucket price, so if you're booking last minute it won't be that cheap. But still I'm kinda of surprised that the airlines can beat that.
And I'd rather spend more time on the train vs. stuck in the traffic getting into the city, at least it's comfy and I can do stuff.
Apr 19, 2007, 9:21 am
#32
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If you're traveling on a weekend, it's hard to find an Amtrak ticket NYC-BOS that's anywhere near $58 each way, whereas tickets on the Delta/US shuttle are easy to get at $70 with a 7-day advance purchase.
Apr 19, 2007, 10:34 am
#33
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I actually did that one time, taking RT NJ transit and transfer SEPTA via Trenton to Philly. Yes, i beat the price, but it was a disaster. My NJ transit was late and I missed my SEPTA connection, had to sit there and wait. On my way back, the transition was also hectic, I didn't have time to purchase the ticket in advance and there were no machines on the platform, I had to pay a penalty to buy it on board.
Apr 19, 2007, 10:39 am
#34
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Frankly sometimes I'm amazed that Amtrak does as well as it does. It's not easy trying to run a large company with over 600 bosses each of whom thinks that they know best. We currently have SDS (Simplified Dining Service) because of Congress. It isn't saving much money, but it is hurting service.
Now I will grant you that Amtrak picked the method, but it was a Congressional mandate that set things in motion because Congress decided to micro-manage Amtrak. Amtrak looses over a billion dollars per year, but Congress decided to worry about the food service loss of $100 Million per year. If that's not the little boy trying to hold back the flood by sticking his finger in the dike, I don't know what is.
Again with the caveat that I don't regularly check airline prices so I can't compare, it seems to me that Amtrak's ability to get you from NY to LA for $154 is a pretty decent price. And a quick check of airfares for June finds the cheapest is $275 from LGA to LAX.
Apr 19, 2007, 10:40 am
#35
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I haven't done this in a while, but you used to be able to buy a combined SEPTA/NJT ticket at 30th Street station in Philly. I'm not sure if you could in New York or New Jersey because I never started my journey from that direction. I never had a problem missing the connection but I can see how that would be frustrating.
Apr 19, 2007, 11:03 am
#36
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$58? For some reason I have never been able to get that price. Usually cost me around $100. I used to fly DL for $85, but these days i tried to avoid flying short trip, i hate to check in my luggage for a 45 mins flight.
And I'd rather spend more time on the train vs. stuck in the traffic getting into the city, at least it's comfy and I can do stuff.
And I'd rather spend more time on the train vs. stuck in the traffic getting into the city, at least it's comfy and I can do stuff.
You can view my results here.
Apr 19, 2007, 11:59 am
#38
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Sorry about that, I missed the weekend part. 
That said however, I can find trains on the weekend that are $58 between NY and Boston. I'm not sure what's going on for this weekend, as everyone seems to be traveling. In fact there are actually a few trains sold out this weekend. But if I look at the following Saturday, the 28th, there are trains currently priced at $58 one way to Boston. They include #'s 164, 82, 88, 194, and 168.
Granted that is a bit more than the 7 day window, but if one can plan out two weeks, it can be done.
That said however, I can find trains on the weekend that are $58 between NY and Boston. I'm not sure what's going on for this weekend, as everyone seems to be traveling. In fact there are actually a few trains sold out this weekend. But if I look at the following Saturday, the 28th, there are trains currently priced at $58 one way to Boston. They include #'s 164, 82, 88, 194, and 168.
Granted that is a bit more than the 7 day window, but if one can plan out two weeks, it can be done.
Apr 19, 2007, 12:40 pm
#39
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The different markets that the airlines and AMTRAK cater to can be seen in week-end pricing. With airlines prices go down (eg: USAirs e-saver) but with AMTRAK after mid-morning on Friday the fare become more restricted. I don't fault either one but the fare structures must represent the type of passenger that the transportation company thinks will absorb the fare.
Apr 22, 2007, 2:59 pm
#40
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I just quickly checked Amtrak for next Tuesday the 24th NY to BOS, less than 7 days away. Regional trains #190, #170, #172, #174, and #86 which represent the 6:55 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM departures from NY, are all currently priced at $58. And that's before using any discounts like AAA, which would knock another 10% off that 58 bucks.
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Regarding the NJT/SEPTA, how do you buy tickets in NY/NJ? Is there an option for PHL on the machine? I guess I never paid much attention.
Apr 22, 2007, 9:53 pm
#41
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Yes, at the major stations along the NEC it is an option. It may not be at some of the smaller NEC stations and I don't think that it is an option at stations off of the NEC. And of course any ticket agent can sell you such a ticket, assuming that they actually know what they are doing.
Apr 22, 2007, 10:41 pm
#42
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Yes, at the major stations along the NEC it is an option. It may not be at some of the smaller NEC stations and I don't think that it is an option at stations off of the NEC. And of course any ticket agent can sell you such a ticket, assuming that they actually know what they are doing.
Apr 23, 2007, 11:24 am
#45
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For a last minute traveler, the fares are VERY reasonable. I just bought Acela Express F NYP-WAS for $240 one way (all in). The US Air Shuttle was $299+tax for Economy. Now I get a nice, fun ride, I'm there just about as quickly, I get to work along the way, and I get a nice meal with free booze. Oh, I don't have to deal with the TSA...
Sounds like a win-win. ^
I agree though, if one books in advance, they're a little crazy. When I first started looking into this trip, CO was $100 r/t EWR-DCA, whereas Acela was >$300 for "Business" (i.e. Coach).
Sounds like a win-win. ^
I agree though, if one books in advance, they're a little crazy. When I first started looking into this trip, CO was $100 r/t EWR-DCA, whereas Acela was >$300 for "Business" (i.e. Coach).
