Amtrak: Cold As Ice

Hey Amtrak, maybe you wouldn't be hemorraging money if you would turn down the damn air conditioning on your trains.

I like taking the train when traveling on the east coast, but every time I do, especially during the summer, the cars are freezing. Last trip I was, the woman next to me came prepared - she had a fleece blanket. Even though it was in the 90s outside, I was wearing 2 sweaters and I was still freezing. Today, same thing. I asked the conductor if they could turn down the a/c (other people were complaining, too) and he just chuckled and said that this is just how it is.

Anyone else experienced this? I'm so cold, I can't concentrate on reading and the hot coffee I got turned cold in mere minutes.

 

I took an Amtrak from Eugene to Seattle recently and froze. On the way back I made sure to wear a coat. People were staring at me strangely because it was in the 80s outside and I was wearing my winter rain coat, but I was much more comfortable.

 

I've ridden them in the East and never had that problem. I was on a trip in December one time and the car was sauna hot.

 

I warmed up a little by pulling my pashmina up around my head (our mothers were right when they told us to wear hats to stay warm.). A woman across the aisle opened her suitcase, put on socks and has random items of clothing piled on. It's insane. I'm getting off the train soon. I cannot wait.

 

Then when you get outside, the heat will hit like a wave.

Ouch.

 

It actually felt great. I was surprised.

I am about to email Amtrak to complain.

 

Thank you Peter King

 

... then my cell phone rang. It's was NY Jets QB Brett Favre.

 

Is it willing to sacrifice?

 

I would be relieved to be in a chilly car. But I've been told I'm weird like that a few times in my life ... sometimes, actually for that reason.

I rode on a charter bus once that lost its A/C and it was warm with copious amounts of rain outside. It got hellishly warm in there. I had never been so relieved to get off a bus - before or since.

 

No f'ing yogurt pretzels or venti caramel macchiatos in the cafe car. I'm gonna sue.

 

... and keep your personal plumbing anecdotes personal, too. :-X