Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whatever the problems, clean windows should be a priority
on all passenger trains. Amtrak justifiably sells itself as the best
way to see America, but who wants to see the country through
dirty windows? In recent years, Amtrak has started paying much
closer attention to what had long been a nagging problem.
Private Railcars
Occasionally you'll find that a private railcar has been added to
the rear of your Amtrak train. Most have been lovingly restored
and refurbished by wealthy individuals who use them as land-
going yachts. Others belong to railroads and other companies
that use them as rolling conference rooms. On at least several
occasions, inventive companies have used private railcars as the
venue for new business presentations to potential clients. Now
that's a creative approach!
The railroad expression for these cars is
private varnish,
a
reference to the luxurious wood trim once commonly found in
such equipment. Amtrak charges $2.10 a mile for hauling these
cars around the country, plus additional charges for switching,
coupling, or storing these cars en route.
Traveling in a private railcar falls into the everyone-should-
do-it-once category, and it may not be as far-fetched as you might
think. There are a few travel companies who own this kind of
equipment and charter it for special excursions to individuals,
groups, and organizations. Owners of these cars do the same. For
more information on private railcar travel, write to the American
Association of Private Railroad Car Owners at 630 Constitution
Avenue, NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20002. You can call them
at 1-202-547-5696 or visit their Web site at www.aaprco.com.
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