Has anyone actually been on-time w/amtrac???

Question

Has anyone actually been on-time w/amtrac???

Answer 1

The same thing happened to me.  I was on the Acela a almost two years ago, from New York City-Penn Station (NYP) - Boston/Westwood-Route 128 (RTE); the train left NYP about 30 minutes late, but we made up most of the time (it was the 2170, which skips New Haven; however, we made an unexpected stop somewhere to let off a passenger who got on our train mistakenly) - in fact, we arrived 5 minutes early!

On the way back, on the 2257,  the train departed 15 minutes late, but we arrived on time (this train stopped at New Haven).

The delays both ways were because it had just snowed.  (I took the 2170 on January 28, 2005, and the 2257 on January 30, 2005.)

The Acela is usually on time, from what I've heard (as long as there's not too much snow).  I don't know about the rest of Amtrak, but the Acela is great!

Answer 2

Not once in 27 years! and I work for the railroad. Amtrak (SIC) has a very difficult task trying to be on time anywhere. The main cause is the passengers themselves. Long goodbyes on the platform take a minute or two off each stop and depending on where you're going could add up to hours late in the end. But it's a great ride!

Answer 3

Yes: I travel frequently on the Capitols route between Richmond Ca and Sacramento. The trains always arrive within five minutes of the published times. The rolling stock is modern and the buffet car often has free local newspapers.

This is in contrast to the UK, where "recovery time" is included in the timetable so as to disguise any late running. Even then, arrival within five minutes is counted as 'on time'.

Answer 4

na

Answer 5

The few times I have ridden, no.  Once a derailment held us up.  This year it was priority freight.

Answer 6

I think I am one of the lucky ones.  I have traveled with Amtrak about 5 or 6 times, and I don't think I was late on any of them.  I have been waiting for many trains that have arrived late, but all of mine have been on time.

Answer 7

Yes. In fact, I've probably had more on-time railroad trips than I have had on-time airline trips. And getting to work in a car during rush-hour is a really unpredictable gambling game....