Amtrak Midwest hidden business class review; Saint Louis and Kansas City by train
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
-gravelydon7072
Been to the St Louis Union Terminal back when the AmShack was out there. We were parked on one of the remaining tracks for a week while the sister of the private car owner attended a medical convention at the station. This was back in the late 1990s. We came up from NOLA and then went on to Chicago before heading to DC and back to Miami.
The Business Class is the way to go if you don't get a sleeper. The two and one seating gives you better seats. On the Cardinal, the sodas were also free and if you got a meal in the cafe car, you got one there also. It was nice when they first introduced it as the only people who were in the car normally were crew or those in the sleepers. Coach passengers were not allowed past the Cafe Car. That meant that you could use one of the tables if you needed to do some work or use the seat if you wanted to relax. It was well worth the extra $50 at the time as another feature was it was a - Quiet Car - as kids were not allowed and no music unless thru earphones.
reply
Been to the St Louis Union Terminal back when the AmShack was out there. We were parked on one of the remaining tracks for a week while the sister of the private car owner attended a medical convention at the station. This was back in the late 1990s. We came up from NOLA and then went on to Chicago before heading to DC and back to Miami.
The Business Class is the way to go if you don't get a sleeper. The two and one seating gives you better seats. On the Cardinal, the sodas were also free and if you got a meal in the cafe car, you got one there also. It was nice when they first introduced it as the only people who were in the car normally were crew or those in the sleepers. Coach passengers were not allowed past the Cafe Car. That meant that you could use one of the tables if you needed to do some work or use the seat if you wanted to relax. It was well worth the extra $50 at the time as another feature was it was a - Quiet Car - as kids were not allowed and no music unless thru earphones.
reply
-bugman72
The Capital wasn't damaged from the tornado in 2018. The tornado was many blocks away from the building. The scaffolding you saw was a large refurbishment project of the Capital and surrounding grounds in anticipation of the Bicentennial celebration of Missouri. The work has now been completed (aside from the current construction of the Bicentennial Bridge going over the tracks to Adrian's Island.
Oh, and for a short period of time in the 1930s, this route had its own Zephyr trains. It was originally called the -Ozark State Zephyr-, which operated from 1936 to 1939. In 1938, the -Mark Twain Zephyr- was added to the route. In 1939 the -Ozark Zephyr- name was retired and a new Zephyr was added, called the -General Pershing Zephyr. - The Pershing continued the route until WWII. The Silver Charger (the power car)is on display at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, MO.
reply
The Capital wasn't damaged from the tornado in 2018. The tornado was many blocks away from the building. The scaffolding you saw was a large refurbishment project of the Capital and surrounding grounds in anticipation of the Bicentennial celebration of Missouri. The work has now been completed (aside from the current construction of the Bicentennial Bridge going over the tracks to Adrian's Island.
Oh, and for a short period of time in the 1930s, this route had its own Zephyr trains. It was originally called the -Ozark State Zephyr-, which operated from 1936 to 1939. In 1938, the -Mark Twain Zephyr- was added to the route. In 1939 the -Ozark Zephyr- name was retired and a new Zephyr was added, called the -General Pershing Zephyr. - The Pershing continued the route until WWII. The Silver Charger (the power car)is on display at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, MO.
reply
-RBoyle-fn5hh
I love trains, and it just PAINS me to see how dreary, worn out, and just worn down those Amtrak coaches are, even in -business class. - There is NO comparison to practically ANY train in Europe or the far East (e. g, Japan or China. It's terribly, terribly sad, and a national disgrace, IMO. I HOPE that the new infrastructure legislation making its slow, painful progress through the Congress will begin to address the MASSIVE needs for Amtrak to improve. I love trains, as I said (and use them when I can out here in the West, but I fear mostly that Amtrak will not get what it needs to become a -first class- operation.
reply
I love trains, and it just PAINS me to see how dreary, worn out, and just worn down those Amtrak coaches are, even in -business class. - There is NO comparison to practically ANY train in Europe or the far East (e. g, Japan or China. It's terribly, terribly sad, and a national disgrace, IMO. I HOPE that the new infrastructure legislation making its slow, painful progress through the Congress will begin to address the MASSIVE needs for Amtrak to improve. I love trains, as I said (and use them when I can out here in the West, but I fear mostly that Amtrak will not get what it needs to become a -first class- operation.
reply
-erichguenther4486
This train is a joint venture between the State of Missouri and Amtrak as part of the Amtrak Midwest Consortium. So you get what Missouri and Amtrak are willing to pay for. Missouri could step up more and pay for track improvements to speed up the schedule but that has not happened much. At least your getting new equipment soon because this route is part of the Midwest HSR Consortium and falls under Amtrak Midwest services. So look soon for Siemens Locomotives and coaches both 125 mph capable but limited to probably 70 mph on all that bad track across Missouri that needs to be upgraded.
reply
This train is a joint venture between the State of Missouri and Amtrak as part of the Amtrak Midwest Consortium. So you get what Missouri and Amtrak are willing to pay for. Missouri could step up more and pay for track improvements to speed up the schedule but that has not happened much. At least your getting new equipment soon because this route is part of the Midwest HSR Consortium and falls under Amtrak Midwest services. So look soon for Siemens Locomotives and coaches both 125 mph capable but limited to probably 70 mph on all that bad track across Missouri that needs to be upgraded.
reply
-JuanWayTrips
If you ever get the chance, you should try out the Amtrak Wolverine or Blue Water lines. They run from Chicago into Michigan through Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The rail between Portage, Indiana and K-Zoo is owned by Amtrak (the only tracks they own outside of the NE Corridor) with max speeds of 110 mph! The line from Kalamazoo to Dearborn, owned by MDOT(so less freight traffic, is slowly being upgraded to 110 mph as well for the Wolverine. Since it's part of Amtrak Midwest, it has the same setup as this train.
reply
If you ever get the chance, you should try out the Amtrak Wolverine or Blue Water lines. They run from Chicago into Michigan through Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The rail between Portage, Indiana and K-Zoo is owned by Amtrak (the only tracks they own outside of the NE Corridor) with max speeds of 110 mph! The line from Kalamazoo to Dearborn, owned by MDOT(so less freight traffic, is slowly being upgraded to 110 mph as well for the Wolverine. Since it's part of Amtrak Midwest, it has the same setup as this train.
reply
train
Also at the beginning, MetroLink is supposed to be a good way for people to get to work. But management should have routed it down the Innerbelt, thru Clayton and into downtown that way. Greyhound sadly has poor management. Some even jokingly call Greyhound the -Ghetto-shuttle-. If you are a veteran or believe in veterans and being straight, they are not interested in talking to you. It is no where near the kind of bus company that I remember when I was in school.
reply
Also at the beginning, MetroLink is supposed to be a good way for people to get to work. But management should have routed it down the Innerbelt, thru Clayton and into downtown that way. Greyhound sadly has poor management. Some even jokingly call Greyhound the -Ghetto-shuttle-. If you are a veteran or believe in veterans and being straight, they are not interested in talking to you. It is no where near the kind of bus company that I remember when I was in school.
reply
-gravelydon7072
Baggage Car. They actually transport more than luggage and the newer ones have bicycle racks and a location for carrying firearms. All of the Viewliner Baggage Cars came thru the Hialeah, FL shops before being sent out for use. With as many as 4 leaving on one train.
And an addendum to my comment below, Business Class was in an Amfleet car that ran just for Business Class. Food service was in another Amfleet Cafe Car.
reply
Baggage Car. They actually transport more than luggage and the newer ones have bicycle racks and a location for carrying firearms. All of the Viewliner Baggage Cars came thru the Hialeah, FL shops before being sent out for use. With as many as 4 leaving on one train.
And an addendum to my comment below, Business Class was in an Amfleet car that ran just for Business Class. Food service was in another Amfleet Cafe Car.
reply
train
In Business Class - it used to be unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Years ago on the Groton, CT to DC runs - we had a full car with a little nook for our attendant to make fresh coffee and have a refrigerator of drinks! Had that on the Carolinian for years, too. Larger separate restrooms from normal coach passengers. Now most regional trains with Business seating take half the Cafe Car.
reply
In Business Class - it used to be unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Years ago on the Groton, CT to DC runs - we had a full car with a little nook for our attendant to make fresh coffee and have a refrigerator of drinks! Had that on the Carolinian for years, too. Larger separate restrooms from normal coach passengers. Now most regional trains with Business seating take half the Cafe Car.
reply
-clintoncannon4507
This line runs essentially parallel with the Katy Trail State Park (242 mile converted rail to trail. Many cyclists will buy the $10 one-way bicycle ticket, and carry it aboard before or after riding the trail across the state.
The staff was great about having such odd cargo, and they had spots to bungee cycles to the wall in the back of the cars. Would recommend.
reply
This line runs essentially parallel with the Katy Trail State Park (242 mile converted rail to trail. Many cyclists will buy the $10 one-way bicycle ticket, and carry it aboard before or after riding the trail across the state.
The staff was great about having such odd cargo, and they had spots to bungee cycles to the wall in the back of the cars. Would recommend.
reply
train
I actually prefer this older equipment. As you observe, the seats are comfortable and the ride smooth. I have no doubt the -new improved- equipment will be shiny, modern, and have less comfortable seats closer together with a noisier and rougher ride. Case in point is the Acela versus Northeast Regional. The Regional is MUCH more comfortable, even if slightly slower.
reply
I actually prefer this older equipment. As you observe, the seats are comfortable and the ride smooth. I have no doubt the -new improved- equipment will be shiny, modern, and have less comfortable seats closer together with a noisier and rougher ride. Case in point is the Acela versus Northeast Regional. The Regional is MUCH more comfortable, even if slightly slower.
reply
-RichardinNC1
It-s sad that train travel is such an afterthought in the US. It makes sense in the northeast with so many large cities relatively close but it takes half the day just to cross many states out west (a full day to cross Texas by train. I have done business class on the Carolinean from NYC all the way to Charlotte, not bad for a 14 hour trip!
reply
It-s sad that train travel is such an afterthought in the US. It makes sense in the northeast with so many large cities relatively close but it takes half the day just to cross many states out west (a full day to cross Texas by train. I have done business class on the Carolinean from NYC all the way to Charlotte, not bad for a 14 hour trip!
reply
-LawrenceFlash18
If only I had known you were in town! Also come on, Kansas City is great, but. not the best in the midwest. - As long as I've lived here in the Lou I've never actually rode this train. That will change in the next month or two! Fantastic as always, and thanks for visiting my humble corner of the globe.
reply
If only I had known you were in town! Also come on, Kansas City is great, but. not the best in the midwest. - As long as I've lived here in the Lou I've never actually rode this train. That will change in the next month or two! Fantastic as always, and thanks for visiting my humble corner of the globe.
reply
-drh3b
My little story about this train. I live in St. Louis, but I purchased a Toyota Corolla in KC, a 2003 new. I put off buying a train ticket until the last minute, and it was discounted all the way down to $17 for the round trip from Kirkwood. I got lucky, I didn't even know that was a thing.
reply
My little story about this train. I live in St. Louis, but I purchased a Toyota Corolla in KC, a 2003 new. I put off buying a train ticket until the last minute, and it was discounted all the way down to $17 for the round trip from Kirkwood. I got lucky, I didn't even know that was a thing.
reply
-martymar2982
Thanks for the insight of how the Missouri River Run line runs. Me and my uncle will be going across country via Amtrak this September and one of the lines we will be riding is this one from St. Louis to Kansas City. I can't wait to be able to ride on the new Siemens Venture coaches.
reply
Thanks for the insight of how the Missouri River Run line runs. Me and my uncle will be going across country via Amtrak this September and one of the lines we will be riding is this one from St. Louis to Kansas City. I can't wait to be able to ride on the new Siemens Venture coaches.
reply
-DOSBoxMom
Any suggestions for hotels near the Amtrak station in Kansas City? I understand there's a free streetcar service in Kansas City, with the Amtrak station as one of its stops, so hotels adjacent to one of the streetcar stops would also be convenient.
reply
Any suggestions for hotels near the Amtrak station in Kansas City? I understand there's a free streetcar service in Kansas City, with the Amtrak station as one of its stops, so hotels adjacent to one of the streetcar stops would also be convenient.
reply
-mikehueter3982
OMG. That old Amshack double wide trailer they used to use was horrendous. And I never actually went in. Just picking people up was bad enough. The new one is boring, but since the light rail also goes there, it's very convenient.
reply
OMG. That old Amshack double wide trailer they used to use was horrendous. And I never actually went in. Just picking people up was bad enough. The new one is boring, but since the light rail also goes there, it's very convenient.
reply
-lemmiwinks09
On the late night NE Regional train, Business Class is similarly paired with the cafe car. IIRC, the seats also have the ottoman coming out from under. It-s honestly the only time to use business class on the northeast regional!
reply
On the late night NE Regional train, Business Class is similarly paired with the cafe car. IIRC, the seats also have the ottoman coming out from under. It-s honestly the only time to use business class on the northeast regional!
reply
-JoshDoesTravel
I-ve stayed at the St. Louis Union Station hotel before. Every floor is themed to a different railroad that called at the station when it was in service, and the rooms have decor to match, so it-s really cool
reply
I-ve stayed at the St. Louis Union Station hotel before. Every floor is themed to a different railroad that called at the station when it was in service, and the rooms have decor to match, so it-s really cool
reply
train
yikes! after watching 10 or so European train videos, bouncing back to America and Amtrak REALLY highlights how shit our trains are! I love travelling America by train, but this makes me laugh!
reply
yikes! after watching 10 or so European train videos, bouncing back to America and Amtrak REALLY highlights how shit our trains are! I love travelling America by train, but this makes me laugh!
reply
-northlanderdude
Nice Video: )
A baggage car referred to as a luggage car is something different and not often heard or read here in North America, even here in Canada we call them baggage cars.
reply
Nice Video: )
A baggage car referred to as a luggage car is something different and not often heard or read here in North America, even here in Canada we call them baggage cars.
reply
-donbonjour1722
I'm sorry you did not show Union Station in Kansas City. Amtrak has service there and has for some time. It also has a touristy side to it along with Science City which is for kids.
reply
I'm sorry you did not show Union Station in Kansas City. Amtrak has service there and has for some time. It also has a touristy side to it along with Science City which is for kids.
reply
-johnkashka803
Great video. i love the River Runner. Its the best way to get from KC to St. Louis. I wish you would have gotten a shot of Kansas City's Union Station, we are pretty proud of it.
reply
Great video. i love the River Runner. Its the best way to get from KC to St. Louis. I wish you would have gotten a shot of Kansas City's Union Station, we are pretty proud of it.
reply
-romitnair4724
Great job Thibaut! The Sherlock Holmes inside you managed to crack the case of the secret business class cabin! ---- Nonetheless a very detailed and outstanding trip report: ): D
reply
Great job Thibaut! The Sherlock Holmes inside you managed to crack the case of the secret business class cabin! ---- Nonetheless a very detailed and outstanding trip report: ): D
reply
-thomasreiser
I suspect that the dispatcher simply put your train in the siding and had your train back out on to the main track after the other train passed which is fairly normal in the US
reply
I suspect that the dispatcher simply put your train in the siding and had your train back out on to the main track after the other train passed which is fairly normal in the US
reply
-ronclark9724
I am impressed by the 20th century artist sculpture fountain in front of the old terminal in St. Louis on Market Street of Karl Mills, representing a wedding. It is a gem.
reply
I am impressed by the 20th century artist sculpture fountain in front of the old terminal in St. Louis on Market Street of Karl Mills, representing a wedding. It is a gem.
reply
-TrainMike2013
There is a very small legroom increase in business class. We generally travel in it because 99% of the time, there's no kids in it, making it quiet and relaxing.
reply
There is a very small legroom increase in business class. We generally travel in it because 99% of the time, there's no kids in it, making it quiet and relaxing.
reply
-mitchwinder1204
Such a shame that Amtrak couldn-t use the rehabbed former Union Station. The modern -fast food- stations have zero character. It-s almost kind of a joke. Sad.
reply
Such a shame that Amtrak couldn-t use the rehabbed former Union Station. The modern -fast food- stations have zero character. It-s almost kind of a joke. Sad.
reply
-AndrewG1989
Maybe USA could rely on having extra trains including old British built diesel trains especially for cities and states that need refurbished rolling stocks.
reply
Maybe USA could rely on having extra trains including old British built diesel trains especially for cities and states that need refurbished rolling stocks.
reply
-stephancox9105
Union Pacific being kind enough to not delay the crap out of your train? Amtrak staff not giving you the stinkeye for being a railfan? Truly a good day.
reply
Union Pacific being kind enough to not delay the crap out of your train? Amtrak staff not giving you the stinkeye for being a railfan? Truly a good day.
reply
-danmathers141
I was thinking. Why don't they have automatic doors on station doors? They have them on the train with foot openers as well as hand openers. At 1: 40.
reply
I was thinking. Why don't they have automatic doors on station doors? They have them on the train with foot openers as well as hand openers. At 1: 40.
reply
-cyberi4a
I didn't know Union Station still wasn't used as a train station. Pairing up Amtrak and Greyhound together is not exactly a first class luxury pairing.
reply
I didn't know Union Station still wasn't used as a train station. Pairing up Amtrak and Greyhound together is not exactly a first class luxury pairing.
reply
train
I remember when this train was like 3 to 4 cars long waaayyy back in 2011, I got on at Kirkwood Missouri and either got off at KC or Independence: D
reply
I remember when this train was like 3 to 4 cars long waaayyy back in 2011, I got on at Kirkwood Missouri and either got off at KC or Independence: D
reply
-marcocasario1249
-People will be kicking themselves in a few weeks if they miss the opportunity to buy and invest in bicton as it's retracing. BE WISE-
reply
-People will be kicking themselves in a few weeks if they miss the opportunity to buy and invest in bicton as it's retracing. BE WISE-
reply
-samkuzel
I hate to say it, but the St Louis station is way better than the Houston station, which is embarrassing for us being the 4th largest city -
reply
I hate to say it, but the St Louis station is way better than the Houston station, which is embarrassing for us being the 4th largest city -
reply
-odiecalodie
A little info as to why there were all those baggage cars. Amtrak discovered the more cars a train has the less likely it is to derail.
reply
A little info as to why there were all those baggage cars. Amtrak discovered the more cars a train has the less likely it is to derail.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
