rev:text
| - This review is for Amtrak's "Pennsylvanian" train, only, not for the system as a whole.
O' Amtrak's "Pennsylvanian" train. So much potential!
The good:
--Spectacular scenery between Greensburg and Harrisburg. The highpoint is the stretch between Johnstown and Altoona, especially Horseshoe Curve.
--Relaxing ride and not putting up with traffic.
--Generally friendly crews.
The bad:
--Lousy westbound schedule that puts you into Pittsburgh at 8pm--well past dinnertime. If you need sustenance, you have to eat the 'meh" food from the lounge car--or bring your own. If you're connecting to the westbound "Capitol" train, you're stuck with a four hour layover in Amtrak's basement waiting room.
--If you're heading eastbound, the "Pennsylvanian" receives connecting passengers from the "Capitol". Guess what? If that train's late, you're leaving late.
Oddly enough, the schedule worked in our favor this time. Supervisor Susan and three of her team members had to take a one-day business trip to Altoona. Our company car was already spoken for, however the train schedule allowed a full business day. The only question was, would the train depart on time? Hooray! It did! Believe me, we did not have a lot of time to make it to the jobsite in Altoona.
|