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AMTRAK ACELA First Class - what's it like?
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In this video from June 2018, I take a look at Amtrak Acela's first class offering. As a Brit and a European, I'm fascinated by Amtrak. So, how did they do with the Acela product, running on high speed rail? Find out by watching!
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@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
So, this is what Amtrak’s top-rank product is like. It’s...very Amtrak. Now, I love Amtrak and I wholeheartedly recommend travelling across America by rail if you have the time. But, that said, Acela isn’t a good value product. Railways in America (or railroads, even) are still something of a niche pursuit for the enthusiast. I enjoyed it, but if you’re not a crank like me...you might want to take the plane instead. Sorry! (New trains are on order for Acela - I’ll be very interested to check those out when they arrive)
@zaveexixterteen3841 5 жыл бұрын
Paul's Trip Reports Will you ever take the Californian Zephyr? It’s an amazing Scenic route between Amtrak’S main Terminal (Chicago) and an amazing tourist Centre (San Francisco)
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
I did it a few years ago. Great train ride.
@ecclestonsangel 5 жыл бұрын
Here's the issue, Paul.....Amtrak is government owned, government run and government regulated. They see nothing wrong with it(and oh, heavens, where do I begin with what's wrong!), and they refuse to keep it up properly, nor will they allow any competition, which is why it's the only rail service in the US, and we still don't have bullet trains. There are many people who would enjoy travelling by train for a nice change of pace, and a lot of business commuters who find it easier to train it as opposed to driving in highly congested cities. However, as long as the government continues its stranglehold on the railways, this is what we're stuck with. On the other hand, our airlines are a perfect example of deregulation gone horribly wrong. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It can be a gamble sometimes. Sorry this is a bit long. You have a Happy Christmas, Paul. Relax and enjoy. I look forward to your reports in New Year, and I'll wave to you as hopefully our flight paths cross, as I've finally been given medical clearance to take to the skies once again. Hoorah!
@ericjamieson 5 жыл бұрын
Have you ever taken the Northeast Regional? It serves all the same stations Acela does, is much cheaper, and unless you're traveling Acela in First, is pretty much equally comfortable. It's not a whole lot slower, it makes more stops but its max speed is 125 mph, almost as fast as the Acela. I have to say that while Acela has some shortcomings as a premium product, standard class on Amtrak is generally more comfortable than standard class on most European trains. It's genuinely baffling that Amtrak hasn't worked out how to offer reserved seating yet. I mean they manage to reserve sleeping compartments, so clearly they have the capability.
@Rendar77 5 жыл бұрын
I've taken the Acela from Newark and New York to Boston and back. It ends up being only slightly faster than driving if there's no traffic. (If there is traffic, then god help you.) The big plus for me over flying is that you don't have to deal with the security and check in lines. I showed up in Newark 30 minutes early and that was it. Also, Boston South Station is right in the city, you don't need a ride from the airport to the city.
@GeneralKenobiSIYE 5 жыл бұрын
Am I the only one who gets a kick out of sitting on a train with another train stopped next to yours and suddenly one begins to move but you can't tell if its your train that's moving or the other? Lol
@jr13227 5 жыл бұрын
SO TRUE
@TheFlatCapFromWN5 5 жыл бұрын
I just enjoy train drag races. I was in Edinburgh on a diesel loco hauled service, racing against an electric multiple unit. The EMU completely destroyed us. 😅
@briangonzalez5360 5 жыл бұрын
Gets me every damn time lmao. Start to feel like I'm having a stroke 😂
@buzzukfiftythree 5 жыл бұрын
The Germans have a word for that phenomenon - it's called Eisenbahncheinbewegung!
@briangonzalez5360 5 жыл бұрын
@@buzzukfiftythree had a stroke just trying to read that
@mh-on7fp 5 жыл бұрын
I admire the creator's ability to kindly move from praises to critiques (and back again) without getting overly dramatic or biased in his report. Well done. Liked and subscribed.
@fieldmarshal7298 5 жыл бұрын
It's highly appreciable considering many youtubers create videos with a fixed mindset and just keep enforcing it through the video.
@pasqualguigano6315 4 жыл бұрын
Yes he did a lovely job! He should be proud. It’s nice to hear an honest take of American trains from a European
@scheek3018 4 жыл бұрын
It's the proper English accent that can sound proper even in criticism.... lol
@alwaysuseless 4 жыл бұрын
Brits tend to be more even -tempered than Americans. At least, that's part of the stereotype. Also, Americans generally respond positively to a British accent. The differences between different nationals is really quite interesting. Germans, for another example, are good at telling you politely exactly what they require. By comparison, Americans tend to be either wishy-washy or too pointed. Americans are known as friendly.
@JamesJacksonRaveneyes 4 жыл бұрын
You'll be happy to know that as of a month after your posting of this video Amtrak went to all reserved seating in Acela First Class
@Victor-tl4dk 4 жыл бұрын
That's great!
@ALIHUSSAIN-zs7st 4 жыл бұрын
seems amtrak has also subscribed
@hyena131 2 жыл бұрын
James Jackson A shame Amtrak are still old, dated, overpriced and tired.
@NelsonClick 5 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy your point of view. You're completely objective but with a hint of wanting to be positive. That's a really good attitude to have about travel. You want it to be good and you don't throw acid on people if it isn't. You aren't taking the point of view that a lot of travel writers mistakenly take which is the attitude of " I'm very sophisticated and you're lucky I'm giving you my business".
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks - this is pretty much my attitude to the whole channel!
@jen93106 3 жыл бұрын
Exactly!!!
@dopeydad1221 5 жыл бұрын
Took Amtrak some years ago, first-class from Seattle to LA. Totally brilliant. Private room with shower upstairs on one of those big silver cars; lovely meals; impeccable service; fabulous vistas rolling past the window. And all done at a stately 50-60mph. That's the way to travel!
@michaelglass4701 4 жыл бұрын
dopeydad1221 , you were on the Coast Starlight, it's the Superliners
@axellajohannesson447 2 жыл бұрын
We took the same train and had a great journey. The food was...OK, the scenery was amazing.
@switronic_ 2 жыл бұрын
@@axellajohannesson447 were you in a sleeper? the sleeper meals in the dining car is restaurant tier
@locksmithsolutions434 5 жыл бұрын
Just a note on assigned seating: It was in trial over the summer on select services and now all Acela first class cars have assigned seating on all trips. As someone who takes Acela regularly just thought you should know. Great review as always.
@Calispeedboi 5 жыл бұрын
Dunkin is a way of life in Boston. Makes perfect sense
@matveisoykin4182 4 жыл бұрын
Fun fact: Boston has the second most Dunkin Donuts in the world. The only city with more Dunkin Donuts than Boston is New York City, which has 4 more Dunkin Donuts.
@Luca_Lorenzo 3 жыл бұрын
Same in NY lol
@shawndamccormick278 3 жыл бұрын
Down here in Florida too
@zealanddublin9047 3 жыл бұрын
Not here in DC. I moved here from the Midwest and miss Dunkin. Can hardly find one here.
@StringerNews1 3 жыл бұрын
Having no regional bias, I can say that Dunkin coffee is considered to be as good as any other premium brand. Just because it's not sold in stores that cater to yuppies who judge quality mainly by price doesn't make it less premium.
@stemogstel22 5 жыл бұрын
Let's all appreciate for a moment that Paul did not realize that Dunkin' IS the standard of quality and excellence for coffee on the East Coast. :)
@Talisman-tb6vw 5 жыл бұрын
IF you want a really horrible experience - try taking a Greyhound Bus :D
@Acehitman369 5 жыл бұрын
Yep I know, I did it from California to Florida in 08 it was horrible lol
@jettalady1985 5 жыл бұрын
Same here, ceiling of the bus had a 2 inch crack that felt like I was in a wind tunnel
@PenisMcWhirtar 5 жыл бұрын
Try using the toilet on a Greyhound Bus - the closest thing to hell this side of eternity LOL!
@MK-ex4pb 5 жыл бұрын
It varies. The Northeast region Greyhound is pretty good. Out west it's grungy. Depends on if there's competition. I love boltbus
@pablovargas6606 5 жыл бұрын
@@Acehitman369 me too!!!!!!
@steventurner820 5 жыл бұрын
The speed between New York and Boston is reduced due to the fact that there are a pair of old swing bridges and the fact that in New London the line is not grade separated. For safety reasons the must slower than normal. Also there are more trains on this section. There are plans to replace the swing bridges in the DC to New york section, but they are having trouble trying to replace the ones up north due to boats. As for the Dunkin Dounts, well thats the Northeast lol.
@jayy9029 5 жыл бұрын
Steven Turner trains are also slow do the the amount of curves between Connecticut and NYC. There’s many.
@DaWolf805 4 жыл бұрын
There are also a number of small points where the line is not high speed, besides these bridges - sharp curves, stations without separation or safety measures for high-speed trains passing, poor track quality - and the Acela trains are comically heavy compared to European counterparts, due to FRA's outdated safety requirements, so they accelerate quite slowly. Those two things combine for the trains managing full speed in like two or three spots the entire route from Boston to NY.
@thomasfy4 4 жыл бұрын
Steven Turner ‘safety reasons’ but miles of open rail without a guard
@latonyasoloman5700 4 жыл бұрын
Dam you are so correct
@francescoboselli6033 3 жыл бұрын
@@DaWolf805 to be honest, if apply the standard of European/asian high-speed rail, neither part of this track is high-speed (I mean completely dedicated track, where regional and freight train aren't allow, and that can support speed of minimum 250km/h). And that's a shame: even country like Morocco and Saudi Arabia were able to have high-speed train going at 185 miles/h, with dedicated track, but not US
@jennylee9278 5 жыл бұрын
People didn't stop riding trains because they loved cars--Henry Ford, US Steel and Standard Oil colluded to squeeze them out forcing people to buy automobiles. My mother and father as recently as late 50s could get on the train in numerous small towns here in Kentucky and go anywhere in the country. Now I have a car but I cant go to Chicago, Cinci or Louisville like they used to. I like my car but I still wish we had rail service-well passenger rail serviced. Lately Greyhound has been closing stations. There isn't one in my former hometown anymore.
@Am-Not-Jarvis 5 жыл бұрын
The trains were all privately run. Fully private rail service is an anomaly anywhere in the world nowadays. The companies were going out of business and cashed out while they still could. Asking a private company to continue its failing business model, squandering everyone's investment in the process, is unreasonable.
@notnek202 5 жыл бұрын
Thank god they did. I would rather travel by myself not with a bunch of trashy people.
@BlueRidgeMtns100 5 жыл бұрын
@@notnek202 :) Neither rail nor air travel is compulsory.
@MrBlazemaster525 5 жыл бұрын
@@notnek202 except the bunch of trashy people you tried to avoid are now on the road with you lol
@sjm7518 5 жыл бұрын
Trains are a great way to travel if you have the time but the service doesn't compare to flying. In 1945 is took about 46 hours to travel between Chicago and LA. Today it still takes 46 hours.
@DianaSFNg 5 жыл бұрын
Yes, most trains are tired and need to be updated or retired. Thank you for sharing. 👍😊🇨🇦
@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 4 жыл бұрын
they're currently designing a new generation of acela trains.
@seanm660 4 жыл бұрын
The new trains look significantly better
@kylewinn5800 5 жыл бұрын
Amtrak probably chose Dunkins to appeal to the Bostonians. It's something of a religion here with a large and devout following.
@Grahamrobinsongrahamr802vt 5 жыл бұрын
All hail dunks
@P00katube 5 жыл бұрын
1. Dunkin Donuts (Do not dare to call it just DUNKIN!) has great coffee, but years ago the doughnuts were baked on site. Now it's all mass produced in one bakery facility, and the quality of the donuts should be of better quality like Tim Horton's or Krispy Kreme. 2. Penn Station is depressing and many New Yorkers are longing for a massive renovation project that will bring Penn Station back to its original glory.
@kylewinn5800 5 жыл бұрын
@@P00katube I don't know anyone in Boston myself included who calls it Dunkin Donuts. It's either Dunks or Dunkin(s). As in, "If you're going to Dunks get me a medium regular and a chocolate cruller."
@Scotchy_Scotch_Scotch 5 жыл бұрын
@@P00katube Tim Horton's is shit, all of their "food" is made off-site too.
@creativemindplay 5 жыл бұрын
*it's one of several local unofficial religions with large, devout, at times unhinged followings ;) there i fixed it for you
@cosakita6120 5 жыл бұрын
I ride Amtrak frequently between Maine and Boston, I actually find the cabins on their regional trains to be bit nicer than the "premium" Acela.
@GeoSae 5 жыл бұрын
Lucky You!! I'm so jealous!! I have to rely in one of my 2 cars to travel from Phoenix to Tucson every couple of weeks.... I know myself , if i lived in DC i wouldn't even own a car, but in AZ?? Good luck surviving without one!!
@danielueblacker9118 5 жыл бұрын
Love the ride from the two. Pain having to go from Boston station to another to catch the train to NY.....
@calebharris7252 5 жыл бұрын
I agree i run on the downeaster from maine to boston regularly too. Their service and trainsets seem to be a tad nicer than even the acelas
@MK-ex4pb 5 жыл бұрын
I still need to do that
@cmanlovespancakes 5 жыл бұрын
Which is funny since that equipment is ancient compared to Acela. Most of their other rolling stock is from the 80s and early 90s. Also the downeaster gets a lot less traffic than the NEC so there is less wear on the equipment.
@mondaymotivator_ 4 жыл бұрын
As someone who travelled outside of the US, I can confirm that our infrastructure is embarrassing compared to other countries.
@logoseven3365 4 жыл бұрын
Bill Wang Travel some more. It SHOULD be the best in the world, but it’s not as bad as much of the world.
@latonyasoloman5700 4 жыл бұрын
Yes indeed just post the same thing how we are so behind its ridiculous
@mondaymotivator_ 4 жыл бұрын
Gigi Gasama lmao I’m not hating on the us. I’m just saying what I think. After all, it’s important to keep an open mind. At least I’m not some isis dude chanting death to America on Twitter.
@Moharani21 4 жыл бұрын
Our trains n other public transportation suffer due to the car n airlines industry. But we still have the best system hands down having traveled all over the world. However, our public transportation is in great need to improve. I am glad I can use most of our restaurant restrooms where we have toilet paper (would prefer a bidet). I don’t have to buy anything to use McDonald’s restroom nor need to pay for the restroom nor for the toilet paper that’s as thin as air in Europe. Don’t get me started on China’s hole in the ground restrooms without basically anything needed to complete the restroom activities.
@aredub1847 4 жыл бұрын
the rest of the world had their blown up and rebuilt about 1950 or so, or started building it much later (ie china) renovation is like 10x the price of new.
@eight10aaronn 5 жыл бұрын
I’m going on the Acela first class in summer. Can’t wait. Even better, it is my first Amtrak ride!
@loridoolaghty3453 5 жыл бұрын
Enjoy!
@sammiesmith6690 5 жыл бұрын
The federal government does not do enough to make Amtrak state of the art like what you see in Europe.
@sheilaghbrosky 4 жыл бұрын
Oil companies!
@jisagay3872 4 жыл бұрын
The American government doesn’t see the benefits in helping out businesses, which is why there is no defined “flag carrier” in the US.
@1quickster 4 жыл бұрын
Close the lines that are not making any money. The Eastern corridor will be the only one open. It's the only one making money.
@froztytrainfilms9148 4 жыл бұрын
1quickster That’s not an affordable option. Maybe it is to the company, maybe it’s reasonable on paper, but that means cutting off the entire long distance network, which serves people in smaller areas, who normally do not have many options for transportation.
@aliensinnoh1 4 жыл бұрын
@TheShadowblade Or stop making it run for profit and properly subsidize it. Privatizing the rail network ruined the UK's trains! We need more public sector investment, not less!
@briancarothers 5 жыл бұрын
Nevertheless despite its shortcomings, I would still ride on Amtrak.
@coydog7902 4 жыл бұрын
Same here
@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 4 жыл бұрын
same
@wta1518 4 жыл бұрын
What choice do you have
@etohprn5158 4 жыл бұрын
WARNING: Watching Bob Ross while riding a train could be so profoundly relaxing it could cause you to laps into a coma. Do so at your own risk.
@alwaysuseless 4 жыл бұрын
Funny comment, made more so by the typo "laps."
@Jobother 4 жыл бұрын
I took a train from Edinburgh-Carlisle on a saturday morning in January and listened to Lofi Hip Hop beats playlist on spotify. It was magnificent.
@computerweenie 5 жыл бұрын
I've traveled from DC to Boston many times during the Christmas holidays. Where Amtrak shines is when you have a snowstorm the day before you are to return and the airlines cancel everything out of Boston. Only one time did the train not run on the day that I was to return. However; the very next day they added enough cars to accommodate everyone who was cancelled and all of the reservations for that day. There were actually more times than enough that the airlines let me down during the holidays. Amtrak still runs. My favorite thing about the train is the leg room and storage for your bags. Although it takes much longer than flying, you can walk through the cars. The other thing is the quiet car. It fills up fast. No loud talking either to a person or on the phone. A nice quiet ride to stretch out and read a good book. One more great thing is that the train takes you right into the city. No catching a cab or asking a friend to take you to Dulles or BWI.
@sethlewin7815 5 жыл бұрын
I ride the Acela every week from suburban Boston to NY Penn; I have an office in lower Manhattan, making a one-day round trip. 15 minutes from my driveway to the platform at Rt. 128 (Westwood, MA) station, park my bottom in a seat, put on the Bose noise canceling headphones, plug in my laptop and I'm set. No TSA, no wranglling with parking in the airport, none of it. 7 minute walk through Penn to the 7th Avenue subway (2/3 line) and in four stops I'm a brief walk from my office. Usually it works fine. Can't imagine hassling with the airlines. Get my regular free first class upgrades and use them to have a little wine & cheese on the way home. Amtrak lounge in NYC is fine, tending to be crowded at times. What are the other reasonable options? Flying, with a cab hassle on the NY end, though LGA, the armpit of the airline world? Driving? Tried that lately? Acela is costly (my company pays) but effective. We need a new rail right of way along the Bos-NY-DC route but who's going to pay for the land and property taking that would be necessary? Still, after 296 round trips I've yet to figure out a better way to manage this trip.
@crBudgetWatches 5 жыл бұрын
My first time doing NY Penn to Boston was due to a flight cancellation due to a snow storm in Boston. I enjoyed my ride a lot, lots of me time. If you are not in a rush itbis a good alternative to flying, just consider the price diference as an investment in stress relief.
@ciaranc7460 4 жыл бұрын
Is this your daily commute? What is your door to door time? I live in Ireland and have approx 90mins door to door commute to work.
@MrFloydSaunders 4 жыл бұрын
Seth Lewin rather common for a lot of people. I use to take the train into NY from Princeton and later Wilmington DE and agree that the train gets you into downtown vey easily, except for the one winter morning when everything was frozen. By the time I got to the office a noon, everything was shut down and I turns around and when home.
@potatopenguin78 5 жыл бұрын
Having ridden both Acela Business and First for the whole BOS-WAS (and many other times in Business for WAS-NYC) and Eurostar in Premium Select and Economy on the old Class 373s, I do have to say that the Eurostar’s premium cabin food beats Amtrak’s and going 186 on the Eurostar was a total wow for someone used to Amtrak’s NEC offerings. That being said, Amtrak will always have a place in my heart because of all the times riding them as a young kid and I’ve never once come across a bad Amtrak employee face to face or on the phone. The level of personalized service both in the sleepers and in longer-distance premium classes is really cool. The people add something you just can’t get from a 2 hour flight. For the WAS-BOS leg especially, You take Amtrak for the experience and cell service, you fly to get there quick.
@pressrepeat2000 5 жыл бұрын
potatopenguin78 Amtrak employees are generally really nice and helpful I’ve found.
@calisongbird 4 жыл бұрын
6:20 I read elsewhere that drug dealers prefer train travel to flying in order to avoid airport security screening. That could explain the police and sniffer dogs episode....
@jerod5636 4 жыл бұрын
KZfaqName it’s true, we do.
@latonyasoloman5700 4 жыл бұрын
You are correct come from a military family and law enforcement's this is why when traveling to Penn station or union station you will see law enforcement and there companion to sniff sniff
@mainemurder9238 4 жыл бұрын
@@jerod5636 😂
@Vince-cg7xx 4 жыл бұрын
That dog is a TSA bomb dog they are leased to local PD for this use they are not looking for drugs
@nicopavvi8494 4 жыл бұрын
At least they give money to amtrak
@alittlebreesey 4 жыл бұрын
8:45 I cross that bridge every day and I always gawk at the trains whenever they pass. Keep up the good work!
@Deoptics8 5 жыл бұрын
Boston - NY is slow because of crossings and the amount of stops. Acela is too expensive for this route. The standard NE Corridor train is better value for money. Acela NYC-Washington is decent because it's city center to city center faster than air travel.
@XmarkedSpot 5 жыл бұрын
Crossings being a reason for slowness - trains in the US don't actually have the right of way at all time?
@XmarkedSpot 5 жыл бұрын
Never mind, i remember now, it's likely the inability to consistently prioritize passenger over cargo trains, not the least for ownership of train tracks being too fragmented.
@AmtrakProductions 5 жыл бұрын
There are 11 crossings... that has nothing to do with the speed. In fact the Boston section is faster due to the segments of 150
@AmtrakEnthusiast 5 жыл бұрын
that's not true. It's 4 hours compared to 2 hours 45 min. @@AmtrakProductions
@AmtrakProductions 5 жыл бұрын
Amtrak Enthusiast I said the speed was faster, not the time
@doloresm7396 4 жыл бұрын
Approximately eight years ago, my daughter and I took the Acela First Class from Philadelphia to New York City. Absolutely stunning cars, early morning mostly commuters, many Journalists were onboard. We were also on the quiet train. Loved it.
@jerryorrell4856 3 жыл бұрын
Nice and enjoyable video Paul. You have a pleasant voice and your speech is easy to understand. Thank you for the relaxing moment.
@jesusangelgomeztrenes5215 3 жыл бұрын
I agree you Jerry . I'm learning English and I'm a train fanatic so I thank Paul's speech. His speech is very easy and he speaks slowly so when I'm enjoying his videos I'm learning at the same time.
@sf4d9rman 5 жыл бұрын
Great video I live in San Francisco I flew SFO to Dulles. I took the Acela to New York what a great ride. The conductor said we would hit 150mph by Wilmington. Next year I am off to Europe to ride trains.
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
Have a great time - there are some amazing high speed services in Europe!
@thevirgintraveller 5 жыл бұрын
@@Paul_Lucas We all so have better food offerings!
@alanstuart4646 5 жыл бұрын
@@thevirgintraveller ...also..
@thevirgintraveller 5 жыл бұрын
@@alanstuart4646 modern day reliance on predictive text isn't a good thing!
@alanstuart4646 5 жыл бұрын
@@thevirgintraveller Agreed! It's tripped me up a few times too!
@TokalaMacrowolf 5 жыл бұрын
Flying in the post 9/11 world isn't what it was before. Nowadays, it means standing in line forever in security, getting undressed and unpacked, getting your balls fondled, getting dressed and packed yet again, and then having to spend a fortune on a bottle of water because they wouldn't let you through with the drink you had. Then you get to your gate and depending on the airline, you may get stuck on some cramped regional jet with no room for your bags. This is a real issue along the NE corridor as many of these routes are served by these smaller planes, particularly Boston to NY. Now compare that to Amtrak where there's no bag fees, no weight checking your bag, no getting fondled by the TSA, no unpacking and undressing, you can bring all the food and drink you can handle, there's lots of space for your bags, and you can move about. It's not perfect by any means, but when you consider the comfort offered by the train vs most airlines, it's easy to see why many opt for the train. It's not just for enthusiasts. I do agree though that Acela doesn't offer much value in terms of a premium product. NE regional coach is good enough for me and after the recent refurbishment, it's just as comfy as Acela. The only reason I would take Acela over the NE regional is if I had an upgrade coupon to first class. Then I can get in for the cost of a value business ticket, and it's worth it.
@samf9314 5 жыл бұрын
over exaggerating
@StringerNews1 5 жыл бұрын
I agree, though it wasn't 9-11 itself nearly as much as the "be afraid, be very afraid" politics that followed. We put up with the magnetometers in 1973 and all the false alarms mainly because it _was_ an inconvenience to end up in Cuba overnight. We put up with the unreasonable restrictions on electronic devices in the '90s grudgingly because a lot of planes had crashed in the last decade and as remote a possibility it was, it was an inconvenience to be dead. Right after 9-11 we nervously faced terrified teenagers with machine guns at security checkpoints because it was a _bona fide_ emergency, and damn the inconvenience and damn anyone who dared to try it again. Soon things would be back to normal with a vengeance, or so I thought. I'm a *huge* flying fan but I've given it up unless absolutely necessary because the unregulated airlines that treat passengers like cattle are not worth the cost, and the unregulated governmental restrictions on my liberty for the illusion of security _absolutely_ is a bridge too far. On AMTRAK I'm back to the pre-1973 days when I could carry a pocket knife without fear of having it confiscated. (To their credit, they returned it at the gate in 1973. I've had allowed items stolen by TSA because they're cool.) Boarding a train is freedom--nobody scanning or groping, no bags being searched. Once again the paying customer is presumed to be the one in the right. Granted, US rail intermodal service has shrunken to just a handful of routes, not enough to replace air travel completely. Recently my destinations have coincided with where the rails went, and I don't regret taking the road less traveled. The people are nicer, both passengers and crew. The equipment is dowdy but that's part of the charm. It's a last gasp of a bygone era, when America was still great. That era is gone forever, but you can feel the echo of it for the price of a Roomette or larger compartment. Watch the miles go by in your own little space. Have your meals or skip them, these are not your parents. Eat communally or in your room, your choice. (Eat communally, it's so much more fun.) Go for a nightcap as the steward turns down your bed, just like they did in the Gilded Age. The infrastructure is in terrible shape, so the ride is harsh, but you're not going to suffer or die. Things happen, and trains can be stuck for hours. But it's okay, you're on a train. You're not on a down-to-the-second schedule, there's food and the trip was going to be long anyway. It's amazing how cathartic it is to be truly unreachable, but within reach of help if you need it. Let's be stuck in a mountain pass, I'll read an Agatha Christie novel. What's an extra day?
@StringerNews1 5 жыл бұрын
@@josfitz not sure what you're talking about. Did you read the post by Tokala Macrowolf? That is the OP...
@fourthgirl 5 жыл бұрын
Also, traveling with children, larger persons is difficult and humiliating on planes. Airlines overbooking flights is another. I like traveling by train and really like having an option.
@taroman7100 5 жыл бұрын
SO so very true. They won!
@josephmccrmck77 4 жыл бұрын
I am one of the few people who makes the full journey 6-7 hour journey between Washington, Union Station and Boston, South Station. I prefer Business Class over first class because you can move around and sit wherever you want rather than having a seat assigned to you, Oh and I hope to go back on December 20th in 20 days. Wish me luck. As always I am taking the 2150 to Boston South Station. Amtrak isn't perfect, but I STILL enjoy riding on it and I will continue to do so in the future.
@shanemanchester 5 жыл бұрын
Stumbled on this by chance looking for US train journeys. Great video. Well thought out, unbiased and fair. Thanks for your efforts, m8.
@rockroll9473 5 жыл бұрын
You’re a tough critic. I appreciate that.
@madambutterfly7513 5 жыл бұрын
Rock Roll - I think this Brit complains too much, the food looked good to me, he doesn’t look like he’s missed a meal - lol
@pafix_ok8952 5 жыл бұрын
Madam Butterfly you gotta remember that he paid 300$ one way for the Ticket thats why he complains. You could fly to Boston and eat at a Star Restaurant for the price and duration of the train
@martinc.720 5 жыл бұрын
Madam Butterfly “the food looked good”. He actually ate it. I think he is in a better position to review it. Has nothing to do with being British or with complaining. It’s a review, he gives his opinion and does not have to say what Amtrak wants to hear.
@ben.taylor 5 жыл бұрын
@@madambutterfly7513 Believe me, there's a vast difference between complaining and criticism...
@JW-qj3se 5 жыл бұрын
Madam Butterfly and you don’t look like you’ve ever been in a store and left without demanding to speak with the manager
@markhouston2255 5 жыл бұрын
$300 one way ? ! That’s insane.
@robloxgamingwithisaac999 4 жыл бұрын
Hell I can get first class with that money.
@rscottlogan9471 4 жыл бұрын
Totally insane.
@ethanlevy7741 4 жыл бұрын
You can fly from Boston to Washington in 1.5 hours In First class for less money 😂
@wta1518 4 жыл бұрын
@Ethan Levy round trip too.
@themid-nightclub6123 4 жыл бұрын
Here in japan on our N700 bullet train in usd its about 200 usd for first class i only use biz class for local ( usen english terms lol )
@certifiedbruh2180 5 жыл бұрын
Boy if that was First Class, I'm just terrified to think of what Business class is
@AmtrakEnthusiast 5 жыл бұрын
it's the exact same without the unappetizing meals
@certifiedbruh2180 5 жыл бұрын
@@AmtrakEnthusiast If they allowed food on board, I'm sure people would be buying food at the station and riding on Business class instead of riding first clads
@AmtrakEnthusiast 5 жыл бұрын
@@certifiedbruh2180 they allow food. or you can get it from the cafe
@largol33t1 5 жыл бұрын
It's NO different on Italian trains. I rode first class on Trenitalia from Milano to Geneva, Switzerland and it was NOTHING special. The only difference is you get a bit more room and it's an enclosed cabin with seating for four.
@riccardofornari424 5 жыл бұрын
largol33t1 people forget trains in italy are actually fast and also very cheap (absolutely no need to get first class)
@FLLOVERUSA 4 жыл бұрын
Paul, you said it as you saw it. You were absolutely about everything from food, luggage space and the speed of the train. Love your videos.
@doublecontralto818 5 жыл бұрын
At least between New York and Boston, the slower "Regional" service is usually a much better value, and it typically only takes about 15-30 mns longer. The one thing I will say is that standard class on that route is a zoo... go for the quiet car, or the $30 supplement for business class is worth it in my experience - much less crowded and the legroom is fantastic.
@ericjamieson 5 жыл бұрын
That's a good point - business class on the NE Regional isn't spectacular but is well worth the few extra bucks it costs.
@kevinhoward9593 5 жыл бұрын
What are you talking about? An Acela leaves DC at 503am and a NE Regional leaves DC at 500am. Yet the Acela gets to Boston an hour and 10 minute before the regional. it runs 123 miles non stop from New Haven to Providence. (on one trip it actually runs from Stamford CT DIRECTLY to Providence 2hrs 13mins away.)
@irkhanbasc 5 жыл бұрын
Kevin Howard : From the video, the Acela on the Washington-NYC segment is quite fast, but NYC-Boston is not as fast. Also, there were not a lot of passengers on that slower part of the trip.
@Cubbie410 5 жыл бұрын
I’m with you on this.. I’ve been around Amtrak my whole life and got to ride Acela once when it first debuted.. between WAS and BOS there’s really isn’t a big difference in arrival between the regional and the Acela Express. At most you’re skipping all of like 10 stops if that.. and arriving to Boston or dc is literally less than an hour at the most..
@nenblom 5 жыл бұрын
I'm sure it still beats I-95 from New York to Cape Cod! LOL!! Great video!
@AmtrakEnthusiast 5 жыл бұрын
if only they still operated the Cape Codder.
@scotcoon1186 5 жыл бұрын
Anything north of Virginia exit 46 is a nightmare. And everything south of there is nightmarishly boring. Anyone who complains Nebraska is flat has never been to Florida.
@largol33t1 5 жыл бұрын
The airlines should be embarrassed that the Acela will cover a route out of New York to Massachusetts FASTER than a plane because of the hassles with check-in desks and JFK's constant traffic delays. True you save only about an hour but hey, it's a lot less stressful than being cooped up in a sardine can flying through the air!
@kartikpatni5980 5 жыл бұрын
I love travelling in trains but watching your videos make me feel so excited !! I am from India and all these videos are really incredible!
@tubepeeper 4 жыл бұрын
World's best train with best service run by most professional railroad company - Amtrak. Way to go. Keep it up! Thanks Congress.
@beckeb00 5 жыл бұрын
I lived in the Trenton, NJ area for 22 years, so it was a bit of hoot to see the "Trenton Makes" bridge in the video. The bridge says, "Trenton Makes, The World Takes." In reality, most people will agree that it's actually now, "Trenton Made, The World Took."
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
Heh! I’d love to visit Trenton some day, just because I’m a fan of the Office (US).
@synesthesia101 5 жыл бұрын
Paul's Trip Reports The US Office is in Scranton, though.
@records26 5 жыл бұрын
@@Paul_Lucas You're confusing Trenton, NJ with Scranton, PA. I've been to Scranton. You're not missing out. Better off as a fan of the show going to LA and finding the building they used for the Dunder Mifflin exterior.
@paulw.woodring7304 5 жыл бұрын
That sign refers to Bayer Aspirin.
@panchonuts7059 5 жыл бұрын
Trenton made, then sat on its ass, got the Union to destroy the local economy, and then the World took.
@danielintheantipodes6741 5 жыл бұрын
I think the scenes of NYC in the mist looked amazing! Sometimes the diffused quality which happens in bad weather is better than the brilliance to be had in sunshine. Thank you for the video!
@CharlieND 5 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@shellylbarrett 4 жыл бұрын
Dude, Dunkin Donuts is America’s Coffee
@mv8984 4 жыл бұрын
shelly barrett yeah I stopped watching the video after that comment
@momelendez9691 4 жыл бұрын
They should just change the name to Dunkin Coffee😂🤣 That’s all they promote 😂🤣
@ismaelsarabia405 4 жыл бұрын
Man i am CRAVING a dunkin donut rn with some coffee and a joint. Can NEVER go wrong with Dunkin Donut
@momelendez9691 4 жыл бұрын
Truth That’s why they should change the name to Dunkin Coffee😂🤣 Some locations in Europe are named like that
@amprosk 4 жыл бұрын
@@momelendez9691 didnt they change to just "Dunkin"?
@ivyedan7183 4 жыл бұрын
I've traveled in The Excella... Washington DC to Stamford CT and up to New London Ct.. I enjoyed the video very much.. it was nice to see the different places... New London is so pretty.. my mom was born in Bridgeport CT so it has a special meaning to me
@GeneralKenobiSIYE 5 жыл бұрын
Over 7 hours from Boston to DC? Well it looks a hell of a lot more enjoyable than my trip from Dover New Hampshire to San Antonio Tx on a Greyhound bus that took 52 hours. Never again...
@Stasea1 5 жыл бұрын
General Obi Wan Kenobi now THAT must have been an awful trip!
@GeneralKenobiSIYE 5 жыл бұрын
@@Stasea1 it was an adventure, no doubt about it. However, except for the BO of a couple of unwashed slobs, the overall length of the trip and my almost total lack of sleep it was memorable. In NYC's bus terminal I stood next to an older Mexican national and I struck up a conversation when I saw his luggage tag said Laredo, TX as I was going back home to San Antonio Texas. I had only turned 18 two months prior so I was a babyfaced 6ft tall, as far as anyone knew, white guy on a solo trip. He didn't have to but he watched out for me the whole trip. Virginia in early October is right up there with New Hampshire as the most beautiful states. Virginia has so many orchards. The Shenandoah Valley is an amazing sight. Wish I'd had my camera. This was october 2001 so cameras on cell phones were not a thing yet. Back then we still used calling cards for long distance. It felt like it took a week until I saw the sign "Welcome to Texas". I was suddenly rejuvenated, as if Texas is life. From Dallas to San Antonio it's an almost 5 hour drive. I shit you not it felt like it had taken 45 minutes. About the same amount of time it takes to drive from San Antonio to Austin. I think part of the reason it went so quickly is because I35 from Dallas to Laredo is familiar. I'd been through there a couple of times. The bad thing about finally entering my home town was that the bus passed right by the street that my house was only 4 blocks down. I wished I could have gotten the driver to stop and let me take my bags so I could walk the rest of the way. Knowing now what I didn't know then, I'd've taken the train.
@mrautomatic9087 5 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I think I farted on you for at least 26 hours of that trip. I had a nasty breakfast of beans, onions, garlic, and SOS on a rye bun. Tell me, was it good for you? It was good for me. BRRRRRRAAAAPPPPPPP!!!!!!
@BlueRidgeMtns100 5 жыл бұрын
@@GeneralKenobiSIYE That trip sounds wonderful and exhausting! We've gotten so preoccupied with the speed of the journey that we miss the best part - the travel through the countryside. :)
@0guardianite0 5 жыл бұрын
So if we just combined European First Class service, route times & design with Amtrak's leg, toilet & storage room...we'd have the perfect train service! I'm hoping to travel by Amtrak for an experience at some point in my life (Empire Builder particularly...gosh I still love that review you did a while back) :D great review as always Paul and looking forward to the rest of your world tour!
@paname514 5 жыл бұрын
You don't need as much legroom in European trains since you usually spend much less time in them. Don't forget American trains are also bigger, hence the more legroom and storage - but American people are also fatter, they need more space.
@erinfreize4717 4 жыл бұрын
I took Amtrak from Penn to Boston a few years ago. We had affordable seats, which were roomy enough, but we spent most of the trip in the bar car. It was a great way to travel, and we had better weather, so I was pleasantly surprised how scenic it was. Yes, there aren't always picturesque vistas, yet there was so much to see along the way. As he says, it's interesting. Therefore, if you like a few cocktails, more opportunities to interact with other passengers and you don't mind taking your time, skip the shorter flight and relax. Also, skip first class, too.
@carmenmonoxide7459 4 жыл бұрын
Wilmington, Delaware... I actually saw my house. Yay! I need a life. xD
@ethanlevy7741 4 жыл бұрын
CarmenMonoxide that’s a parking garage
@bigken6005 5 жыл бұрын
So let me chime in a couple of things in the video: Regarding the Amtrak Police, they normally will ride the train from Wilmington to Philadelphia which is where their headquarters are. Wilmington is where the trains are dispatched between Washington and just north of Philadelphia. The section between New York (New Rochelle to be exact) and New Haven is owned by Metro-North Railroad which is jointly owned by MTA New York and the State of Connecticut. They control that territory and because of the sharp curves the speeds are lower along that section. Also, they run many of the commuter trains that come from Connecticut into New York City so most of the time they give priority to those trains since they control that territory. The main sections where the Acela can pick up speed is through New Jersey and in Rhode Island up to Boston where it can reach up to 150 mph (in theory). Hopefully that answers a couple of the concerns stated in the video as a fellow rail enthusiast. I do love all of your videos Paul.
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the insight! Especially re: the Amtrak police - I did wonder what they were doing!
@Rendar77 5 жыл бұрын
They're working on getting up to 160+ through NJ.
@paulw.woodring7304 5 жыл бұрын
@@Paul_Lucas Walking through first class with a sniffer dog is not really standard procedure, at least it wasn't in the past. They may have had a tip. Since I used to be an Amtrak cafe attendant in the Corridor (nearly 20 years ago now), a couple of things: Amtrak is perpetually starved for capital by Congress, because the Republicans really don't like funding any public good, but their constituents do like to ride trains, so it gets enough funding to limp along, but never enough to fix things properly, or provide really nice amenities (like first-class food. In-fact Congress mandated that Amtrak not loose money on food service, which is why their food is so expensive and not the best). There are strong suspicions that current Amtrak management is trying to get rid of full-meal service on long-distance trains, and that this is part of an attempt to kill off long-haul trains altogether. The Northeast Corridor needs billions of $$ worth of infrastructure repairs and upgrades. When Acela was started nearly 20 years ago now, they had hoped to be able to run 150 mph most of the way between DC and Boston, but obviously never made it. They can touch 150 for about 20 miles in Rhode Island, right before Boston, and that's about it. The reason the ride between NY and New Haven is so slow is because they share the right-of-way with MetroNorth Transit Authority. Most of the corridor's infrastructure dates back to the 1930's or before. Penn Station NY has been abysmal ever since the Pennsylvania Railroad sold off the air rights for the current Madison Square Garden in 1964, and truncated the station to the underground parts used today. For what is to many the gateway Amtrak station in the country, it is a horrible introduction to Amtrak for the first-time traveler, more subway station than intercity hub. Thanks Paul, for posting an independent, objective view of Acela service from someone who I know likes to ride trains, and has ridden some of the best around the World.
@KennethBarr1957 5 жыл бұрын
@@paulw.woodring7304- Very good explanation of the political situation Amtrak faces. Amtrak did buy a few new dining cars for single level long distance service but also dropped dining service on the Silver Star (90 - 91) between New York and Florida leaving the Silver Meteor (97 - 98) with the only diner on the general route (Star and Meteor run different routes between Virginia and Georgia). Your remarks about New York's Penn Station are spot on. The endless political posturing over the station continues.
@mrvwbug4423 5 жыл бұрын
The tradeoff on the northern section, is that it closely follows the coast, so you do get some nice views of the New England coastline. Penn station is a unique place, legendary for its mad rush to the platforms as platform assignments aren't posted until the train is pulling in and boarding begins the instant the train stops and opens the doors. the station is also entirely underground, literally sits directly under Madison Square Garden, and for the most part is how a large portion of people travel into and out of the city.
@99999janice 5 жыл бұрын
I take the same route with the normal train, pay economy class, bring my own food, take 30 min longer and pay $100-140 less. It's a better deal. Most people travel from Boston to New York by bus and pay about $50 one way. Thanks
@sethlewin7815 5 жыл бұрын
How long does that take in heavy traffic?
@MK-ex4pb 5 жыл бұрын
$50? You're overpaying 😂
@MK-ex4pb 5 жыл бұрын
@@sethlewin7815 4½ to 6 hours, barring unusual circumstances
@danromero 5 жыл бұрын
I’ve done the NYC to Boston and DC separately and trying business class and Acela, I much prefer business class. A few dollars cheaper, and maybe a half hour longer, but I find the space and the seats much better in business class. Grab a couple of goodies from Pret and you’re all set!
@roadforrunner 5 жыл бұрын
OR NY-BOS 13$
@emilyanthony7138 4 жыл бұрын
We enjoyed our travel using Amtrak. We traveled from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. We have our own cabin with a bathroom. Since we got lazy and want to stay in our cabin. We decided to order our dinner which was a steak and lobster. They delivered it to our csbin. Traveling with Amtrak is the only best way.
@musicmanfelipe 4 жыл бұрын
I did the Acela from Boston to New York back when I was in college. I enjoyed the trip. The return trip was on the Regional train which was much less fancier and slower.
@JohnnyK60 5 жыл бұрын
Cascades trains in the northwest feature mandatory seat assignment at check-in by the agent. Dunkin coffee is quite popular in the northeast, so many passengers would be fine with it. Penn Station at street level is truly nasty; they tore down the old ornate one years ago to replace it with a complex you'd need to experience to get how dismal things can get.
@theotheronethere4391 5 жыл бұрын
They probably do that because the route crosses an international border and they don't want stragglers to "mistakenly" end up in Canada
@Neville60001 5 жыл бұрын
@@theotheronethere4391, pretty much that.
@alexandergarland77 5 жыл бұрын
I love your honesty and being someone who was interested in the Amtrak Express well I guess it won't be happy because if you put a bad report out there like that it is as good as gold for me
@madambutterfly7513 5 жыл бұрын
#AL2SmoothTheMountainbiker - do u believe everybody’s opinion without trying it out first yourself???
@alexandergarland77 5 жыл бұрын
@@madambutterfly7513 is there a reason you have a problem with my opinion? Or are you having a good time just trying to get some attention for yourself?
@NortheastCorridorFilms 3 жыл бұрын
Perfect train to ride! Love Acela and NER. American trains rock!
@edzaslow 5 жыл бұрын
I love Dunkin coffee! Much better than Starbucks, IMO.
@Mrbeahz1 5 жыл бұрын
And Boston is the hometown of Duncan, that's why it's served.
@ceoofprosciutto235 5 жыл бұрын
Nah Starbucks is 694201337 times better
@emjayay 4 жыл бұрын
Plus the harsh fluorescent lighting, orange chairs, and unwiped Formica tables!
@baronvonlimbourgh1716 4 жыл бұрын
Id rather see illy or nescafe. Especially in a first class setting.
@illegalalien6542 4 жыл бұрын
@@ceoofprosciutto235 Only if you're a yuppie
@chrismckellar9350 5 жыл бұрын
Whilst the Acela First Class product is showing its age, there was soft refurbishment of the train sets in 2010, but the current train sets will be replace by new Avelia Liberty trains beginning 2021. Despite the food and seat product not up the scratch, is better than Business Class on some of the larger American legacy airlines.
@wizardmix 5 жыл бұрын
HA! I love that in the US it takes 11 years to upgrade seats and in that same time China took their high speed rail system from a small stretch in Shanghai to the largest in the world.
@wizardmix 5 жыл бұрын
@@josfitz I'll try but I make no promises.
@tonyburzio4107 5 жыл бұрын
Just after the rules were relaxed, a train in Belgium splattered all over the roadbed when it hit a tarpaulin from a passing train. No, solidly built trains are better.
@chrismckellar9350 5 жыл бұрын
@@tonyburzio4107 - It was in Norway and both trains where on a bridge in high winds when the accident happen.
@tonyburzio4107 5 жыл бұрын
The important point is that the carriages tore apart where in America nothing would have happened.
@wanderlustspirit4607 5 жыл бұрын
That’s the crappiest first class lounge I’ve ever seen.
@locoluke4149 5 жыл бұрын
Welcome to Amtrak.
@profiveactive4758 5 жыл бұрын
USA... 1st class in weapon manufacturer.. not customer service...
@JerEditz 5 жыл бұрын
@@profiveactive4758 The weapon manufacturing is under scrutiny 99.9% of the time so no wonder its better than say any public US transport which then most of America drives anyways. We don't care as much for public transport compared to having reliable and regulated manufacturing of any kind of product because corporate regulation. In the name of Transport, we frankly care to drive ourselves to our destinations or take the plane.
@gohtigeriens7967 5 жыл бұрын
Fuck you.
@stinkymonke4998 5 жыл бұрын
@@profiveactive4758 What? You want us to fight wars with bow and arrows?
@geoffmorris189 5 жыл бұрын
We took this same train and route last year and did not find it a problem at all. The great advantage of trains is that they depart and arrive at the centre of the city. With the aggravating and time consuming security checks at airports, this is my preferred choice of travel.
@appalachianrailproductions7246 4 жыл бұрын
Man. The British have HIGH expected! The lounge looks nice!
@richardwills-woodward5340 4 жыл бұрын
We are demanding and always complain to keep the transport bosses on their toes. The transport lounges are incredible. Ours looked like this 20 years ago before billions of investment (and still another $60bn over the next few years). We realised we can't deal with the population based on cars (we followed America post-war until about the early 1990's before a pause and re-think). We were blessed with a lot of Victorian expansion, as today there's no way we'd build the number of lines we have even with those we ripped up in the 1960's (big mistake).
@vincentcalvelli6452 5 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, I enjoyed this review of Acela Express service and I agree the catering in first class needs improvement along with the boarding procedures. My best wish for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Keep traveling.
@uncc1296 5 жыл бұрын
Paul's analysis of Acela is spot on, however, I still prefer it to travel by air.
@brandonm30 5 жыл бұрын
IT will get better when the new train sets arrive
@McSynth 3 жыл бұрын
I 'm very fond of youre travelouges. However, what makeswatching worthwhile is the integrity of your observarions. Great that you nc all them out - but are open and honest about the good points.
@alvashoemaker8536 4 жыл бұрын
I appreciated his honesty!! It absolutely did NOT discourage me from taking the train. His perspective is interesting and objective--- 😃🙃👣
@marcwolverson1186 5 жыл бұрын
Dunkin Donuts was known to have excellent coffee long before coffee became trendy.
@marcwolverson1186 5 жыл бұрын
@Thor Swenson It depends what you mean by "premium"? It may not be as widely distributed as Starbucks, but definitely is of equal or better quality.
@n40153 5 жыл бұрын
As a Bostonian who lives on Dunkin I would have to say it's prob not the best product to choose for a premium service. Maybe Starbucks would be a better fit as it seems a step above Dunkin.
@davidbarnett9312 5 жыл бұрын
Oh, please! I drink HEB coffee out of a mug and it's just as good as the trendy Starbucks. The only difference is I don't have the Starbucks logo on my mug, thus anyone who is with me can see I must be absolutely clueless and gauche. lol
@Hardia882 5 жыл бұрын
I'll take DD over SBX any day. To me, SBX always smells & tastes like its burned. But if the train product is labeled "premium" (which Amtrak/Acela isn't & likely never will be), I suppose they should offer "premium" coffee.
@unzicek 5 жыл бұрын
In America, where people don't know what good coffee tastes like :D
@paullewis2413 5 жыл бұрын
I used Acela First last year from NYC to Washington. Nothing special, by far the worst part was negotiating the cesspit, aka Pennsylvania Station New York. They demolished the World's greatest rail terminal in the 60's to be replaced by the current shithole.
@MikkoHere 5 жыл бұрын
Paul Lewis- yep. Imagine if Jackie O & others hadn’t fought for Grand Central
@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 4 жыл бұрын
good thing we have union station here in chicago.
@neilreid9005 4 жыл бұрын
Quite good review and many thanks. I've taken Acela from Boston down to NYC and found it to be pretty close to your experience. All in all, I definitely prefer rail over airlines between these two cities- far more relaxed, no TSA, and you get to see the countryside, including lovely views of bays. While it truly lags European or Asian rail, I recommend it.
@empirestate8791 4 жыл бұрын
This train is intended for short distances (DC to NY, Philadelphia to Boston, etc.). It's a profitable Amtrak line, and people generally take trips which last 1-4 hours (usually faster than airlines).
@bushyconn 5 жыл бұрын
Compared to Australian pedestrian passenger train services (7 hours for the 350km - not miles for the Express Passenger Train - XPT), the Acela is certainly a fast train. Look forward to the next instalment!!
@rollingtroll 5 жыл бұрын
That's 30mph. Ouch.
@Paul_Lucas 5 жыл бұрын
bushyconn Yep, plenty more train videos to come. Not many of them will be as slow as this one!
@TheGreatLordDufus 5 жыл бұрын
Australian trains really are tripe. The worst has to be Canberra to Sydney, which takes 50% longer by train than by coach; and that includes Sydney traffic. Plus the Canberra station is not exactly central.
@paname514 5 жыл бұрын
Amtrak Adirondack: 11 hours in theory, not counting the almost daily delays of often a few hours, so that's easily 12 or 13 hours. For 610 km. There are much faster regional trains in Europe - I am not even talking about high speed main lines!
@gnhansen29 5 жыл бұрын
Paul I would be interested in seeing reviews of some of the Australian trains if you get the chance.
@mitzy123 4 жыл бұрын
Having recently spent a lot of time in the USA (New York and Washington) I couldn't help but notice the crumbling and poor state of the infrastructure. The roads were terrible, airports needing refurbishing and trains equivalent of what we had in Europe on the 70s. It's sad that the government simply does not prioritise this.
@zeitgeistx5239 4 жыл бұрын
American is a 3rd world country. Billionaires like the Kochs brainwashed America into believing government anything is evil, that taxes are evil.
@subzerofromny735 3 жыл бұрын
@@zeitgeistx5239 Im sorry that i live in a trash 3rd world country and not a perfect 1st world society like Europe, Canada, china, japan, North Korea or Russia like you
@jennifercox225 2 жыл бұрын
@@zeitgeistx5239 I travelled to italy and gemany and i promise you the infrastructure there is mediocre at best and often thid world I promise you more people wanna come to us than whatever thid word lake you hail from..
@aimeepaterson4423 2 жыл бұрын
I’ve Done a Few Amtrak Journeys Myself. On The COAST STARLIGHT From Seattle Washington To LA In a Full Bedroom, All Meals Included. I Must Say The Quality Of The Food Was Absolutely Wonderful. Truly Delicious & Served In A Fabulous Lounge For Ist Class Passengers Only. The Ocean Views Were Indescribable; SO BEAUTIFUL! A Memorable Experience.
@jeremypearson6852 4 жыл бұрын
As an expat who grew up riding trains every day in the UK I’ve only taken the train once in the US in thirty seven years I’ve lived here. Trains are really an afterthought because everyone is used to cars and planes. I live in South Florida where we only have a very limited regional service. A high speed train to Orlando has been discussed numerous times. People in the US drive because gas is cheap unlike Europe.
@jebediahkerman4251 5 жыл бұрын
62Mph!? Jesus even the London Underground Metropolitan line goes faster and it's a Tube train. Great Video btw 👍
@troybellamy4615 4 жыл бұрын
One of the main reasons, the line is slower from NYC-Boston is that the stretch from NYC to New Haven is controlled by the Metro North Railroad! It's a commuter line and the speeds are limited to 80mph max with many 50mph stretches because of the curvy nature of the route and various bridges! The line has many 150 mph stretches once returning to Amtrak territory enroute to Boston! Angela's strength lies in its tilt mechanism that allows faster speeds around the curvess! The Acela trainsets will be replaced staring in two years with the introduction of the Acela II trainsets which will have a top speed of 160 mph! The line was electrified twenty years ago!
@johnh8705 4 жыл бұрын
You dimwits forget the US is massive. 20 miles of high speed rail is easy.
@TheTraffic247 5 жыл бұрын
Having travelled outside the US, especially ME, coming home it just feels tired and embarrassing to look at the state of our aviation and transportation industry. There is no quality or class in presentation. Sigh.
@TheTraffic247 5 жыл бұрын
@Vladimir_Bone Spur_tRump seems that way.
@oussematrabelsi9429 4 жыл бұрын
@Vladimir_Bone Spur_tRump these trains look much better than my county's actual 3rd world trains
@MAR-kg9xi 4 жыл бұрын
Meanwhile CHINA'S technology are now the best in the world..specially their High speed trains..now the fastest in the world..and they have connected every cities all around China with High speed Trains..very Elegant designs and High tech ..your coffee won't spill its so stable because you are like floating in the air while travelling 431 k/hr..I hope U.S will have one of those..every states and cities interconnected..imagine what impact it .can have to thr economy..
@baronvonlimbourgh1716 4 жыл бұрын
@@MAR-kg9xi chinas infrastructure is really high tech and top notch.
@pmue437 4 жыл бұрын
Take a ride with Switzerlands Glacier Express but Acela 1st does not reach Switzerlands average Service for The Restaurant.
@OZZOZZ 5 жыл бұрын
Unrelated: I had a Dunkin Donuts coffee and that thing had me flying and running for no reason. I had so much energy! Never again ever.
@steve-marsh 3 жыл бұрын
What you get for your money on the tracks of USA vs Europe is just crazy! I reference what you paid for your Milan - Palermo journey! Crazy!
@mmpoll1052 4 жыл бұрын
Don't diss Dunking Doughnuts. The coffee and doughnuts are amazing. Unless u prefer that crap from Starbucks.
@ddavda100 4 жыл бұрын
Micah Pollack carp? A fish in the percolator no doubt
@mgmail7279 4 жыл бұрын
@@ddavda100 That might help!
@helpfultips1533 4 жыл бұрын
Star bucks shouldn’t be crap for what it costs
@matthewbrooder9414 4 жыл бұрын
Y'all, Tim Hortons beats both of those.
@mmpoll1052 4 жыл бұрын
@@matthewbrooder9414 never had it. Tims coffee. I love my coffee so I will keep an eye out and make it a point to try it.
@arrowlogproductions2509 5 жыл бұрын
You should review the Brightline in Florida
@susanorr7451 4 жыл бұрын
I love train journeys and your video was great--sometimes speed is dictated by track conditions however track repair is ongoing throughout the country. Unfortunately first class ain't what it used to be and train travel is expensive compared to time saving air travel. But it is more fun!
@jenjoseph9394 4 жыл бұрын
I'm smiling as I remember the entire experience lovingly wonderfully , .beautiful.
@MrMetonicus 4 жыл бұрын
Dunkin' Donuts! Oh, he'll yes!
@rztrzt 5 жыл бұрын
$282 is expensive, over here you would pay 1/4 of that for a flight of about the same distance and it takes
@abhilashsajeev.k1679 5 жыл бұрын
Good lord..... That's expensive. In india we have shitty trains. But they r safe and cheap. Only 10 rupees (1 doller = 70 rupees) for every 25 km give or take. That is for 1 doller we can travel close to 175 km. The catch is that it is general compartment. can't guarantee a seat. But I will board early and thus problem solved. If u wanna book a seat here, then the ticket is expensive but 200 doller for a train ticket. That's unheard off for a village boy like me.
@Denis-tg6jw 5 жыл бұрын
How much do you need to add to that flight time (in Britain at least) for ever increasing security checks and that's after you have paid a disproportionate sum for parking and rip off prices for food and drink?
@jasonoreilly6204 5 жыл бұрын
@@abhilashsajeev.k1679 with about another 100 people standing inside the carriage and the whole roof?
@sagargupta1827able 5 жыл бұрын
@@jasonoreilly6204 Are memes your only source of knowledge?
@jasonoreilly6204 5 жыл бұрын
@@sagargupta1827able memes? Nah mate, just FACTS
@Tubes12AX7k 9 ай бұрын
Keep in mind that many people still have to either rent a car, take a taxi or take additional transit like subways or buses when traveling to another city. This is particularly true of airline travel since the airport is often far from downtown and is located toward one side of the city - close to a few suburbs but far away from others. So the TOTAL time to travel from A to B includes rental cars, taxis, and so on, which can be time consuming and expensive. For shorter trips that end in or near the city center, the train wins out. I'm doing a train trip to a major city center a few days from now, and I'm not renting a car, not paying bridge tolls or parking tolls, and not booking a hotel room. Just in and out in one day without these extra expenses. And if you're able to connect to the internet and get work done, or sleep on the train or wash up and prep for a meeting, even better.
@amjkodaz 4 жыл бұрын
The Acela has and will always be my favorite train, but the reason it's so slow is because of commuter services, and there's poor infrastructure between New York and New Haven. It only achieves 150 MPH between Westerly, RI and Westwood, MA in short sections. Despite it's slow speed, it's still an American icon.
@TohaBgood2 2 жыл бұрын
It's not really that slow. People keep fetishizing the TGV and the Shinkansen. But the Acela actually has a reasonable average speed compared to other services. If you look at a speed chart for the NEC, the vast majority of the route is 125-150mph. There are some very slow sections, but they are also very short and are mostly close to stations anyway so they don't really have a catastrophic impact. It's just that it's a little embarrassing that our flagship train is merely a middling-to-low performer on the landscape of HSR trains around the world. In other words, the Acela is good HSR, but it's not the best in its category by a long shot. I think the new Avelia trains and the new speed limits will really help boost its image and standing.
@razorback9926 4 жыл бұрын
I would say train is the BEST way to travel if the trip is 3 hours or less. Anything more than that, I would fly.
@matthewjones1119 5 жыл бұрын
You said they looked run down. They are in the process of building a new Acela
@psychologicaltirefire8190 5 жыл бұрын
The Avelia Liberty it's supposed to be an actual 220mph+ high speed train. It's apparently based off the TGV in France.
@stephenshaw7593 5 жыл бұрын
The part you missed Lucas, is that Dunkin' and Acela are both Northeastern operations so they naturally go hand-in-hand, even if they aren't all bougie and put flowers on the doilies for you.
@peterfrancojr349 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, I'm Pete. I really enjoy ur videos. Especially the Artic Circle train one. I might give it a go when this virus is gone. The Acela now has reserved seating in 1st class. I'm not sure in business. I'm kinda a snob traveling. It's either 1st class on the trains and business class when I flying. The main domestic airline I fly is Delta. The best business class when I fly is Virgin and SAS as i use to travel to London a lot and Oslo a lot. Hopefully. Next year I'll start traveling again. Have a great day!!!!!
@eight10aaronn 5 жыл бұрын
Rode the Acela to New York yesterday..
@Y2DART 5 жыл бұрын
I live in Wilmington its routine for all trains comming through I've seen them do it everytime I'm at that station which is my primary for traveling to DC philly new york Boston and more
@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 5 жыл бұрын
They are in the processing of developing a new Acela train, should come back and check it out when it becomes public.
@IndieGirl10100 4 жыл бұрын
I'm from the West coast of the U.S. and I've never heard of the Acela! I agree with the comments, our country is so behind when it comes to the light rail. The norm of train travel here is it's for people who wanna see the country and have more time versus taking a flight.
@goddagetitjones1056 5 жыл бұрын
I live in Wilmington, Delaware... I always ride the train to Philly...
@cathybaptista8878 4 жыл бұрын
I love dunkin doughnuts coffee.
@WendelltheSongwriter 5 жыл бұрын
Balanced and honest review. Thank you.
@AmateurRedneckWorkshop 4 жыл бұрын
Most people who work have very little time for travel so it makes more sense to fly than take a train. And yes most people do not even consider a train trip. I am 74 and have only been on a train once and that was when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
@Happy_cookie 5 жыл бұрын
Great video Paul. I have to agree about the ride quality; I don't think many people appreciate the time and effort Network Rail go to to ensure it's decent on the main lines (ECML, WCML, ect) In fact I'd say most people in the UK don't appreciate the train at all. There always was (and probably still is) the saying that an Amtrak arriving within 2hours of when it should was considered 'Good performance' Here we see 20 minutes as appalling. Just a shame trains are so expensive in the UK
@nickhiscock8948 5 жыл бұрын
Compared to Australia the uk train network is excellent and decades ahead of Australia. But Australia is generally much nicer train wise than the USA. Eg QR tilt trains etc. I don't get what the people in the uk complain about. Other than outrageous price of tickets in the uk for the distance travelled.
@khaddow1967 5 жыл бұрын
@@nickhiscock8948 Most of the UK rail network was built over 100 years ago, and pretty much neglected and starved of investment until well into the 80s and 90s when things began to change. Huge amounts have been invested since then, and continue to be invested and that money comes from the taxes we pay and the fares. It's entirely possible if the under investment hadn't seen the infrastructure pretty much falling apart until the 80s/90s, we perhaps wouldn't be seeing the huge fares we see today as upgrading to modern standards wouldn't have been so costly. It is possible to travel for much more reasonable prices though, but you have to book well in advance and in many cases there are only a limited number of cheaper fares available. Local commuter trains in areas where fares are set and services regulated by a local passenger transport authority are also pretty decently priced, especially when compared to the intercity services. It's actually cheaper for me to travel into Leeds from where I live by train than it is by bus and of course, the train is far quicker.
@gregghanson6095 5 жыл бұрын
Your vids are always accurate and balanced. Too bad that Acela, with a few inexpensive changes, could upgrade to where it belongs.
@EchelonIV 4 жыл бұрын
The views of NYC when departing Penn northbound or arriving from the north are super nice. I remember the first time going to NYC: took the Acela from Boston South to Penn and when I first saw the skyline I was in awe because it's probably _the_ most recognizable skyline in the world. It was a magical feeling to know that finally I get to visit the city! A childhood dream come true!
@DianeHasHopeInChrist 5 жыл бұрын
I truly respect your honest opinion. And I absolutely LOVE your informative, objective videos!
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