Amtrak's AutoTrain Priority Vehicle Offloading.

[skyguy79]

I just read on an Amtrak Trains Forum that Amtrak is offering Priority Vehicle Offloading on the AT for an extra $50 for the first 20 cars starting on April 29, new option for sale started April 9. There is a page on the website describing the new extra cost option (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251623624304).

Being on the road faster gets you to your destination sooner. Now you can speed up your journey with a time-saving upgrade option for Auto Train. Starting April 9, 2013, passengers who reserve Priority Vehicle Offloading for travel beginning on April 29, 2013 are guaranteed that their vehicle will be one of the first 20 offloaded from the train.
Reserve this upgrade for only $50 by calling 1-800-SKIP-I-95 or visiting any staffed Amtrak Ticket Office and request the addition of "Priority Vehicle Offloading" to your travel reservation. Only 20 Priority Vehicle Offloading upgrades are available per train so book your Auto Train trip and call for this upgrade.

[Single Track]

I guess if you are in an enormous hurry or have money to throw away, I can't see where this is necessary. When I returned to Lorton, VA last November, my car was #2 so that was a bonus I wasn't expecting. However, the last 5 times that I've used the autotrain (& will be using again next Sunday), I have never had to wait more than 45 minutes. By the time you get off the train, maybe use the rest room and mosey out to wait, the time has flown by and you could use the $50 for a nice dinner for two.

Just throwing my 2 cents in the mix.

[skyguy79]

I guess if you are in an enormous hurry or have money to throw away, I can't see where this is necessary. When I returned to Lorton, VA last November, my car was #2 so that was a bonus I wasn't expecting. However, the last 5 times that I've used the autotrain (& will be using again next Sunday), I have never had to wait more than 45 minutes. By the time you get off the train, maybe use the rest room and mosey out to wait, the time has flown by and you could use the $50 for a nice dinner for two.

Just throwing my 2 cents in the mix.Undoubtedly, this offer is not for everybody. Common sense tells us that, and to be honest I probably wouldn't use it myself considering it to be unnecessary... at least for me! But let's at least give Amtrak a little credit for trying to be creative in providing this service for those who can afford it and like having it available, while while at the same time making an effort in trying to improve revenues a bit. After all, isn't that what Congress has been pressuring them to do for years now? Anyway... nothing ventured - nothing gained!

[OnTrack]

Undoubtedly, this offer is not for everybody. Common sense tells us that, and to be honest I probably wouldn't use it myself considering it to be unnecessary... at least for me! But let's at least give Amtrak a little credit for trying to be creative in providing this service for those who can afford it and like having it available, while while at the same time making an effort in trying to improve revenues a bit. After all, isn't that what Congress has been pressuring them to do for years now? Anyway... nothing ventured - nothing gained!

Well said. :thumbup:

Any innovation and/or options toward making Amtrak more self-supporting...is a good thing in my opinion.


Out of curiosity, do you know what it costs to take the Auto Train.....and how that compares to driving?

I had heard that the least expensive round trip is around $800.

Even with a motel stay each way and a vehicle getting only 20 miles to the gallon, a person could drive the round trip for about 1/2 that cost.

Don't get me wrong though, as I love trains (:D).... and would much prefer taking it over driving.

My point is that the extra $50, doesn't sound like its "wasting" money at all. :shrug:

.

[REDCART]

Well said. :thumbup:

...Out of curiosity, do you know what it costs to take the Auto Train.....and how that compares to driving?

I had heard that the least expensive round trip is around $800.
.

The price varies considerably based upon the travel dates and when you make your reservation. As you might expect their peak season is January thru May. We've also found the closer you are to your departure, the higher the fare. The best deals are made six months out. If you have an oversize vehicle they charge you a $35 premium ea way. It's still a great deal and eliminates 855 miles of driving, gas and as you say a motel. We've seen fare's as low as $425 and as high as $650 one way coach.

[OnTrack]

The price varies considerably based upon the travel dates and when you make your reservation. As you might expect their peak season is January thru May. We've also found the closer you are to your departure, the higher the fare. The best deals are made six months out. If you have an oversize vehicle they charge you a $35 premium ea way. It's still a great deal and eliminates 855 miles of driving, gas and as you say a motel. We've seen fare's as low as $425 and as high as $650 one way coach.

Thanks for the info. :thumbup:


.

[skyguy79]

Well said. :thumbup:

Any innovation and/or options toward making Amtrak more self-supporting...is a good thing in my opinion.


Out of curiosity, do you know what it costs to take the Auto Train.....and how that compares to driving?

I had heard that the least expensive round trip is around $800.

Even with a motel stay each way and a vehicle getting only 20 miles to the gallon, a person could drive the round trip for about 1/2 that cost.

Don't get me wrong though, as I love trains (:D).... and would much prefer taking it over driving.

My point is that the extra $50, doesn't sound like its "wasting" money at all. :shrug:

.Since gryoung has pretty much answered your question, I'll pass on being redundant and trying to answer it again. However, here is a link that has pretty good information on the AutoTrain: Auto Train Transports You and Your Car - Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL | Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/auto-train)

For those that may be interested, here is another link to an Amtrak forum where someone made a lengthily post describing their AutoTrain experience: Your experience on the Auto Train? - Travelogues / Trip Reports - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum (http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/49068-your-experience-on-the-auto-train/)

http://www.rkpackersandmovers.co.in/images/vv.jpg
Photo Shown Loading the Vehicles.

Here is a 22 minute YouTube video taken at the Sanford Station. Near the end of the video you'll see just how long the AutoTrain is. It shows a consist of over 40 train cars as it begins it's trip toward Lorton VA: Amtrak Auto Train Loading And Going - YouTube (http://youtu.be/QiZEKwcNlZw)

[OnTrack]

Since gryoung has pretty much answered your question, I'll pass on being redundant and trying to answer it again. However, here is a link that has pretty good information on the AutoTrain: Auto Train Transports You and Your Car - Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL | Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/auto-train)

For those that may be interested, here is another link to an Amtrak forum where someone made a lengthily post describing their AutoTrain experience: Your experience on the Auto Train? - Travelogues / Trip Reports - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum (http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/49068-your-experience-on-the-auto-train/)

http://www.rkpackersandmovers.co.in/images/vv.jpg
Photo Shown Loading the Vehicles.

Here is a 22 minute YouTube video taken at the Sanford Station. Near the end of the video you'll see just how long the AutoTrain is. It shows a consist of over 40 train cars as it begins it's trip toward Lorton VA: Amtrak Auto Train Loading And Going - YouTube (http://youtu.be/QiZEKwcNlZw)

Thanks. :thumbup:

I'm actually pretty familiar with the operation of it, I just haven't ever priced it out.

.

[mountaineergirl]

We paid $1300 ONE WAY the day after Christmas for two of us with a sleeper. This year we made our reservations as soon as we could, 11 months out. They no longer charge extra for an oversized vehicle. Certainly not a plush experience, but pleasant. Beats taking 95 the whole way.

[Bobstr]

I paid 355$ for 2 passengers and 1 regular car on May 31 forthcoming. No sleeper car. Just coach.

[SMills]

Well said. :thumbup:

Any innovation and/or options toward making Amtrak more self-supporting...is a good thing in my opinion.


Out of curiosity, do you know what it costs to take the Auto Train.....and how that compares to driving?

I had heard that the least expensive round trip is around $800.

Even with a motel stay each way and a vehicle getting only 20 miles to the gallon, a person could drive the round trip for about 1/2 that cost.

Don't get me wrong though, as I love trains (:D).... and would much prefer taking it over driving.

My point is that the extra $50, doesn't sound like its "wasting" money at all. :shrug:

.

Hi, I saw your post wanting to know the price of the Auto Train, booked round trip for myself and my companion and it was $157 each way for a seat in coach and the car is $175. You can make it more expensive with the addition of a sleeping compartment and the type of compartment, the most expensive being $444 each way. Of course this comes with Happy Hour when you get on the train, dinner and breakfast plus a movie in the lounge. We coming down in July which may be the low season for Florida, but we paid aroudn the same amount when we came down in February as well. It's a great way to travel. Hope this helps.

[OnTrack]

Hi, I saw your post wanting to know the price of the Auto Train, booked round trip for myself and my companion and it was $157 each way for a seat in coach and the car is $175. You can make it more expensive with the addition of a sleeping compartment and the type of compartment, the most expensive being $444 each way. Of course this comes with Happy Hour when you get on the train, dinner and breakfast plus a movie in the lounge. We coming down in July which may be the low season for Florida, but we paid aroudn the same amount when we came down in February as well. It's a great way to travel. Hope this helps.

Good to know....thanks. :)

.

[kathilou]

and of course the auto train saves on renting a car - that was the clincher for us

[John_W]

We have reservations for August 20th and then return on August 28th. For two adults and one normal size car it is $750 roundtrip. I think if we wanted a sleeper it would be $300 extra each way. In 2011 we traveled one-way northbound in April, the peak time for snowbirds to leave. We paid $904 for two adults and one over-sized car, at that time they charged $100 extra for the car. I remember waiting about 45 minutes for our car to unload, as someone else posted, it's not that big a deal after you've been sitting for 18 hours.


/

[asianthree]

so where are you coming from using the train?

[John_W]

The Autotrain has just two stations. Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia. It's about 900 miles and departs from each station every day at 4pm and arrives the next morning at 9:30am.

My neighbor next door just visited Long Island, NY and took the roundtrip with sleeper accomodations, I believe the two of them paid $1400. Of course, if you're like myself who is only going as far as Maryland it's a great deal, others will require some driving to finish their trip. Sanford is about 90 miles east of here in Seminole County from the Virginia station I'll have about a 90 minute drive to the north Baltimore area.

When I took my first trip in April of 2011 heading north, the conductor got on the PA and said we made history. We were the longest train on record at 4,000+ feet, i forget the exact number, plus 475+ passengers, 203 cars and 2 motorcycles. That train was full.


.

[fraurauch]

"For two adults and one normal size car it is $750 roundtrip. I think if we wanted a sleeper it would be $300 extra each way."

We paid $750. round trip, but for the roomette, it is only $136. We just changed our reservation last night to include the roomette. We are travelling back to Florida on July 29. No charge to change reservation.

[senior citizen]

The Autotrain has just two stations. Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia. It's about 900 miles and departs from each station every day at 4pm and arrives the next morning at 9:30am.

My neighbor next door just visited Long Island, NY and took the roundtrip with sleeper accomodations, I believe the two of them paid $1400. Of course, if you're like myself who is only going as far as Maryland it's a great deal, others will require some driving to finish their trip. Sanford is about 90 miles east of here in Seminole County from the Virginia station I'll have about a 90 minute drive to the north Baltimore area.

When I took my first trip in April of 2011 heading north, the conductor got on the PA and said we made history. We were the longest train on record at 4,000+ feet, i forget the exact number, plus 475+ passengers, 203 cars and 2 motorcycles. That train was full.


.

Perhaps they have gotten more efficient since the one time we took it from Sanford Florida to Lorton Virginia back in 1973.........hopefully so.

Our experience was not pleasant.........very very long wait to board.
Ditto for unloading. Hubby could have made better time driving the 900 miles......and overnighting in motels.......but it was a novel experience, which no doubt has been improved upon since 1973.

Also, we had a five year old and a two year old with us.........
We were extremely polite to the dining car help, but back in those days they were extremely rude to us......even when I just asked for some milk for the children.......

They definitely had an "attitude"........so it is not a trip we repeated.
After that we always flew to Florida. However, this one time we were moving back and had to take our vehicle.

We had driven from Satellite Beach to Sanford......and it was a very very long wait to board..............and then to disembark in Viriginia........
Our children were very patient little ones.......not screamers.
Still, it was hard to believe they couldn't find them (or us) something to eat in the dining car.........as it was the dinner hour. Again, circa 1973.

[skyguy79]

Perhaps they have gotten more efficient since the one time we took it from Sanford Florida to Lorton Virginia back in 1973.........hopefully so.

Our experience was not pleasant.........very very long wait to board.
Ditto for unloading. Hubby could have made better time driving the 900 miles......and overnighting in motels.......but it was a novel experience, which no doubt has been improved upon since 1973.

Also, we had a five year old and a two year old with us.........
We were extremely polite to the dining car help, but back in those days they were extremely rude to us......even when I just asked for some milk for the children.......

They definitely had an "attitude"........so it is not a trip we repeated.
After that we always flew to Florida. However, this one time we were moving back and had to take our vehicle.

We had driven from Satellite Beach to Sanford......and it was a very very long wait to board..............and then to disembark in Viriginia........
Our children were very patient little ones.......not screamers.
Still, it was hard to believe they couldn't find them (or us) something to eat in the dining car.........as it was the dinner hour. Again, circa 1973.What you state is of no surprise since Amtrak's Autotrain was in it's infancy at the time and is basicly not the same Autotrain we know today.

Amtrak was authorized by Congress in October of 1970 and operations began on May 1st, 1971. The Autotrain began operating under Amtrak on December 6, 1971 and operated until April of 1981. Prior to December 6th, 1971, a similar service was provided along the Atlantic Coast, but was under private ownership using the Seaboard Coast Line Rail Road (1967-1983) until the change to Amtrak in 1971.

After the hiatus, the Amtrak Autotrain resumed operation in 1983, but this time while under government funding. Despite the government getting involved, the service has grown and improved over the years into what we know as today's Autotrain and has done so under under governmental pressure to improve their bottom line while receiving comparatively bare bones funding when compared to the subsidies received by the airline industry.

Disclosure: I'm a long time passenger rail user having logged in over 43,000 passenger rail miles, a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers and the Amtrak Guest Rewards Program with enough credits for my wife & I to travel from Florida to the Pacific Coast and back twice, or four trips on the Autotrain at no cost... and that includes a handicapped room & all meals.

[John_W]

"For two adults and one normal size car it is $750 roundtrip. I think if we wanted a sleeper it would be $300 extra each way."

We paid $750. round trip, but for the roomette, it is only $136. We just changed our reservation last night to include the roomette. We are travelling back to Florida on July 29. No charge to change reservation.

I just did a roundtrip workup for the August 20th date again but this time I selected roomette. It came to $886 total. They want $511 for the northbound leg but only $375 for the return to Florida. The time of travel and the direction makes a big difference, as I wrote our previous one way trip in April 2011 northbound was $904. Thanks for the heads up, but I think will stay with the reserved seats, I like being around all the people, it makes the trip go by faster.


/

[John_W]

We had driven from Satellite Beach to Sanford......and it was a very very long wait to board..............and then to disembark in Viriginia........

As Skyguy79 had noted, the train has changed a lot since your 1973 trip. Both of the stations are identical in appearance and were opened in 2010. They are probably as nice as most airport waiting areas.

[senior citizen]

What you state is of no surprise since Amtrak's Autotrain was in it's infancy at the time and is basicly not the same Autotrain we know today.

Amtrak was authorized by Congress in October of 1970 and operations began on May 1st, 1971. The Autotrain began operating under Amtrak on December 6, 1971 and operated until April of 1981. Prior to December 6th, 1971, a similar service was provided along the Atlantic Coast, but was under private ownership using the Seaboard Coast Line Rail Road (1967-1983) until the change to Amtrak in 1971.

After the hiatus, the Amtrak Autotrain resumed operation in 1983, but this time while under government funding. Despite the government getting involved, the service has grown and improved over the years into what we know as today's Autotrain and has done so under under governmental pressure to improve their bottom line while receiving comparatively bare bones funding when compared to the subsidies received by the airline industry.

Disclosure: I'm a long time passenger rail user having logged in over 43,000 passenger rail miles, a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers and the Amtrak Guest Rewards Program with enough credits for my wife & I to travel from Florida to the Pacific Coast and back twice, or four trips on the Autotrain at no cost... and that includes a handicapped room & all meals.

This is all very good to know, for our future travels.

I can tell by all the fans of Auto Train that indeed it is much better than back in 1973. Obviously, back then, hubby was a lot younger and figured it would have been less of a hassle to just drive the distance........but now, I can totally understand the benefits of auto train.

Truthfully, I do not remember any waiting room.......but it's a long time ago. That little two year old boy will turn 42 this summer and the little girl is 45. They were excellent travelers and just sat quietly. It was obvious that the dining car staff was just being difficult and truly had an attitude as it is called nowadays. I was meek and mild in those days and didn't want to rock the boat.........and yes, I had brought bottles and snacks and stuff along with us.......but it was well into the evening and they just were not going to wait on us in the dining car......not even to bring the little guy some milk. It was just a bad experience. Obviously, the staff resented us. And, I'm not paranoid. I had always planned to write a letter to Amtrack or Auto Train when we got settled back in our new home in Vermont..........but other things took precedence. I do believe it was the very first time we had ever experienced any kind of discrimination.........neither of us was demanding, loud or anything obnoxious. They were just feeling their power.

Again, we just stood around while the cars were loaded and then unloaded in Virginia. We still had quite a long ride back to Vermont...........

But, it truthfully sounds as if it has greatly improved.

A cousin of mine is on her way home from New Jersey today, aboard Amtrack.......she takes it alone to visit her daughter in North Carolina as her husband can no longer drive the long distances........so I can fully understand the benefits of train travel.

We only did auto train that once with the car..............but another time when the kids were a few years older we did take the train to Myrtle Beach via Grand Central Station......in N.Y.C............and one last time we took it to Disney World overnight............both times from Rensalaaer, New York.....I know that spelling is not right. They were about 5 & 8 years of age. But all the other times, each April, we would fly down to Florida..........the earlier times we just wanted our son to have a "train experience"........as all little boys love trains........

[Rebel Pirate]

Well, this is interesting timing! Mrs. Pirate and I happen to be sitting in the train station at Lorton as I write this. She's the erstwhile travel agent in the family; she consulted me but she did the comparisons and made the reservations. She reports autotrain pricing is similar to airline pricing...it's influenced by time of year (which correlates to demand), time proximity to departure, size of vehicle, number of people, and accomodations. There are two of us...we have the smallest roomette (private sleeping but a shared restroom)...and we purchased online 45days ago. Total price = $500. Everyone with whom we've had contact today has been very friendly and helpful...no DMV experience here!

Departure was scheduled for 4:30 PM, but the schedule has been blown. To their credit, Autotrain didn't take the opportunity to blame it on a terrible truck/train accident yesterday by Baltimore, which we (and most others) would have easily believed. They owned their issues and said the delay is due to their maintenance/mechanical failures. It's now 7:00 PM and the latest estimate is the train will arrive here at 7:15.

Other things to the credit of Autotrain...they set up a buffet of cheese/crackers, cookies, raw veggies with dressing all to the accompaniment of local Virginia wines...red or white...but what we're receiving now was planned for on board service after departure. They'll serve sandwiches soon...an extra meal that wasn't planned since we'll probably eat what was planned for this evening's dinner for tomorrow's lunch. Hopefully we'll arrive by mid-afternoon tomorrow in lieu of the advertised 9:30 AM.

OK...just had another announcement...another 1.5 hour delay (it's now 7:15) so we hope to arrive some time tomorrow...anytime tomorrow would be good! Hey...it could be worse...we could be on a cruise ship!?!!!

Also, we've met some friendly people...and we might just have to pull out a deck of cards and see if we can scare up a game of bridge. If there are many more delays, this might just turn into the first of a daily installment!

[skyguy79]

Departure was scheduled for 4:30 PM, but the schedule has been blown. To their credit, Autotrain didn't take the opportunity to blame it on a terrible truck/train accident yesterday by Baltimore, which we (and most others) would have easily believed. They owned their issues and said the delay is due to their maintenance/mechanical failures. It's now 7:00 PM and the latest estimate is the train will arrive here at 7:15. Rebel, that was some timing! BTW, I just want to note that there is no way that Amtrak could have gotten away with blaming
the train accident for the delay. The reason is that Lorton is the point furthest north that the AutoTrain runs and the accident occurred approximately 70 mile NE of Lorton. Because of bridge height restrictions, AutoTrain cannot run any further north and Lorton was established as the northern start point. Have a safe trip!

[fraurauch]

The price varies depending on which day you go. We were flexible and picked days where the trip was $375. each way. If you're interested in taking the Autotrain, you might check another date.

[asianthree]

Thanks for this great info...yep we would have to drive a bit but will look into it

[skyguy79]

The price varies depending on which day you go. We were flexible and picked days where the trip was $375. each way. If you're interested in taking the Autotrain, you might check another date.
You can say that price depends on the day you go, but technically the day you select is not how the price is actually determined in most cases. The price is determined by a pricing system they call the "bucket system." This system monitors the number of reservations in each type of accommodation, and as the reservations made increases so does the price. Sometimes specific days, where high demand is expected, can affect the price you pay.

I'd also like to note that prices can change within minutes, not only on the AutoTrain but on any Amtrak train reservation you might be making. It happened to us a number of years back when we called to make reservations for a trip out West. I called to get the pricing and ended the call once I had it. Checked with my wife and we decided to go for it. Called back about 10 minutes later and the price went up from the quote I had just received.

If possible, one should try to be prepared to make a decision while on the line with Amtrak or risk paying a higher price if you call back later. You can always cancel if you want so long as it's near the end of the time frame you have to pay for the reservations. I think it's 2 or 3 weeks - not sure! IIRC, I was even given and extension just before time limit elapsed and was told it could only be extended once. You'd have to call near the end of the time period and make the request with an explaination why you need it to find out if they will grant it.

Also, your best bet is to reserve as early as you possible can (especially if you're upgrading to sleeping accommodations) before too many reservations have already been made so as to get the best price possible. You can make reservations anytime up to 11 months in advance.

p.s. In a previous post I had mentioned that I belong to Amtrak Guest Rewards. If anyone is interesting in learning more about that program, click this link: https://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/

[REDCART]

Obviously everyone on TOTV has a computer. Our neighbor does not have a PC and instead went to AAA to book their recent r\t Autotrain tickets. AAA charged them a service charge of $50 ea. So if you know of anyone planning an AutoTrain excursion w/o a PC you might want to offer to make reservations for them. I would also think that you could call Amtrak directly and eliminate the AAA service charge.

[skyguy79]

Well, this is interesting timing! Mrs. Pirate and I happen to be sitting in the train station at Lorton as I write this. She's the erstwhile travel agent in the family; she consulted me but she did the comparisons and made the reservations. She reports autotrain pricing is similar to airline pricing...it's influenced by time of year (which correlates to demand), time proximity to departure, size of vehicle, number of people, and accomodations. There are two of us...we have the smallest roomette (private sleeping but a shared restroom)...and we purchased online 45days ago. Total price = $500. Everyone with whom we've had contact today has been very friendly and helpful...no DMV experience here!

Departure was scheduled for 4:30 PM, but the schedule has been blown. To their credit, Autotrain didn't take the opportunity to blame it on a terrible truck/train accident yesterday by Baltimore, which we (and most others) would have easily believed. They owned their issues and said the delay is due to their maintenance/mechanical failures. It's now 7:00 PM and the latest estimate is the train will arrive here at 7:15.

Other things to the credit of Autotrain...they set up a buffet of cheese/crackers, cookies, raw veggies with dressing all to the accompaniment of local Virginia wines...red or white...but what we're receiving now was planned for on board service after departure. They'll serve sandwiches soon...an extra meal that wasn't planned since we'll probably eat what was planned for this evening's dinner for tomorrow's lunch. Hopefully we'll arrive by mid-afternoon tomorrow in lieu of the advertised 9:30 AM.

OK...just had another announcement...another 1.5 hour delay (it's now 7:15) so we hope to arrive some time tomorrow...anytime tomorrow would be good! Hey...it could be worse...we could be on a cruise ship!?!!!

Also, we've met some friendly people...and we might just have to pull out a deck of cards and see if we can scare up a game of bridge. If there are many more delays, this might just turn into the first of a daily installment!My wife was wondering if Rebel had arrived at Sanford yet, so I did a little checking online and found out that as of this posting they are still on route and about 10 hours and 12 minutes behind schedule as of the latest available info. That would give them an ETA of 7:12PM in Sanford.