Bicycle on Amtrak?

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

If you let them know ahead of time that you're bringing a bicycle
there will likely be a 10usd sur-charge and you will have to box
it. If you just walk on without making eye-contact, you get the
"I know what I'm doing, don't bother me" discount.

Franklin said:

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

If you let them know ahead of time that you're bringing a bicycle
there will likely be a 10usd sur-charge and you will have to box
it. If you just walk on without making eye-contact, you get the
"I know what I'm doing, don't bother me" discount.

That's the Jedi Mind Trick. Works well against the weak-minded.

Matt

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

TIA.

Scott

http://tinyurl.com/6aptj

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

TIA.

Scott

Check out the LimoLiner.

http://www.limoliner.com

They have fewer trips per day, but plenty of storage and no surcharge
for bikes (last time I checked).
As someone that is not vertically challenged, I like the legroom on
either Amtrak or Limo Liner.

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

-bdbafh

Is the limo liner some type of bus?

==========================
"bdbafh" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

TIA.

Scott

Check out the LimoLiner.

http://www.limoliner.com

They have fewer trips per day, but plenty of storage and no surcharge
for bikes (last time I checked).
As someone that is not vertically challenged, I like the legroom on
either Amtrak or Limo Liner.

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

-bdbafh

"Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:uzJDi.12369$tB2.6844@trndny05...

Quoted message said:

Is the limo liner some type of bus?

Yes.
http://hincapie.blogspot.com/Resize%20Wizard-1.jpg

http://hincapie.blogspot.com/tourbus1-800px.jpg

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Check out the LimoLiner.

http://www.limoliner.com

They have fewer trips per day, but plenty of storage and no surcharge
for bikes (last time I checked).
As someone that is not vertically challenged, I like the legroom on
either Amtrak or Limo Liner.

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

-bdbafh

Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for hacks,
with no regard to the masses.

The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long distance
trains are "tourist" trips.

It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally F'kd up
country.

A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in boxes?
Duh?

In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of the
bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers can't
figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it still
sucks.

======================================================================
"bdbafh" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

TIA.

Scott

Check out the LimoLiner.

http://www.limoliner.com

They have fewer trips per day, but plenty of storage and no surcharge
for bikes (last time I checked).
As someone that is not vertically challenged, I like the legroom on
either Amtrak or Limo Liner.

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

-bdbafh

On Sep 6, 9:55 am, "Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for hacks,
with no regard to the masses.

The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long distance
trains are "tourist" trips.

It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally F'kd up
country.

A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in boxes?
Duh?

In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of the
bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers can't
figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it still
sucks.

======================================================================"bdbafh" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most of the info I've found about bikes on board says it's free, but
it sounds like the bike has been boxed for shipping and then put on
board as cargo. I don't mind boxing her up, but if I could avoid it I
would. Especially if that means giving it to a baggage handler.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

For local NJ Suburban trains, I can bring a bike on board and secure
it to certain areas without seats that are made for larger cargo. Roll
it on, anchor it to a wall using a bungee, and it's good to go.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can I do that on Amtrak? Or do I need to box her up?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

TIA.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Scott

Quoted message said:

Check out the LimoLiner.

Quoted message said:

http://www.limoliner.com

Quoted message said:

They have fewer trips per day, but plenty of storage and no surcharge
for bikes (last time I checked).
As someone that is not vertically challenged, I like the legroom on
either Amtrak or Limo Liner.

Quoted message said:

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Quoted message said:

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

Quoted message said:

-bdbafh- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

In article <EFTDi.9672$pm2.6243@trndny08>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for hacks,
with no regard to the masses.

The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long distance
trains are "tourist" trips.

It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally F'kd up
country.

A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in boxes?
Duh?

Well, wrong, it does.

Quoted message said:

In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of the
bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers can't
figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

There are several options for carrying a bike onto Amtrak. However, just
like some European countries, France in particular, not every train, such
as some express/local trains and TGV (bike has to be packed in a housse)
will carry bikes as a RORO or in a box. At least if you use the Amtrak
baggage car, you can get your bike when you arrive rather than days later
as in France.

Quoted message said:

The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it still
sucks.

Quoted message said:

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Most European express/locals have similar restrictions.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

-bdbafh

RBrickston said:

In article <EFTDi.9672$pm2.6243@trndny08>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

Quoted message said:

This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

Quoted message said:

First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for hacks,
with no regard to the masses.

Quoted message said:

The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long distance
trains are "tourist" trips.

Quoted message said:

It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally F'kd up
country.

Quoted message said:

A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in boxes?
Duh?

Well, wrong, it does.

Quoted message said:

In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of the
bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Quoted message said:

Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers can't
figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

There are several options for carrying a bike onto Amtrak. However, just
like some European countries, France in particular, not every train, such
as some express/local trains and TGV (bike has to be packed in a housse)
will carry bikes as a RORO or in a box. At least if you use the Amtrak
baggage car, you can get your bike when you arrive rather than days later
as in France.

Quoted message said:

The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it still
sucks.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Most European express/locals have similar restrictions.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
onboard the Limo Liner.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

-bdbafh- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I'd say "near-willful ignorance is the worst American trait", but I
was the one too lazy to track down your link from the earlier post....

I booked my Acela ticket online yesterday, without tacking on the
additional bike cost. I guess I'll call Amtrak and find out what to
do.

/s

In article <[email hidden]>,

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Unless you're taking the Lakeshore Ltd. or the Vermonter to Albany, and
then transfer to the 448 east to Boston, you are probably SOL. There is
no baggage service on the Acella Express or Regional service. You can
bring a folding bike aboard (and some conductors are sticklers for them
being in a bag of some sort), but full-sized bikes are a no-go in my
experience.

--
--
"My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is
total. I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the
diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution."
-- Congresswoman Barbara Jordan (Texas)

Scott Gordo said:

RBrickston said:

In article <EFTDi.9672$pm2.6243@trndny08>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for hacks,
with no regard to the masses.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long distance
trains are "tourist" trips.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally F'kd up
country.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in boxes?
Duh?

Quoted message said:

Well, wrong, it does.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of the
bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers can't
figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

Quoted message said:

There are several options for carrying a bike onto Amtrak. However, just
like some European countries, France in particular, not every train, such
as some express/local trains and TGV (bike has to be packed in a housse)
will carry bikes as a RORO or in a box. At least if you use the Amtrak
baggage car, you can get your bike when you arrive rather than days later
as in France.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it still
sucks.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday after
> off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as conductors
> will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
> You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further from
> conductors so that you can already board before they start in on you.

Quoted message said:

Most European express/locals have similar restrictions.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
> onboard the Limo Liner.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> -bdbafh- Hide quoted text -

Quoted message said:

- Show quoted text -

I'd say "near-willful ignorance is the worst American trait", but I
was the one too lazy to track down your link from the earlier post....

I booked my Acela ticket online yesterday, without tacking on the
additional bike cost. I guess I'll call Amtrak and find out what to
do.

/s

Amtrak must be schizophrenic because I've taken my bike on one twice
this Summer without a box, or extra charge. One was from Santa
Barbara to Anaheim and the other San Diego to Anaheim. They (the
employees) were really cool and accomodating about it in each case as
well.

JD

West Coast ...

On the West Coast the world is different.

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever use
a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

===========
"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Scott Gordo said:

RBrickston said:

In article <EFTDi.9672$pm2.6243@trndny08>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

> Amtrak ,, and bicycles.

Quoted message said:

> This is a subject that has been written about on and off for years.

Quoted message said:

> First; Amtrak sucks. It is a government creation run by hacks, for
> hacks,
> with no regard to the masses.

Quoted message said:

> The short distance trains are really just commuter rail. The long
> distance
> trains are "tourist" trips.

Quoted message said:

> It is one more reason to drive yourself nuts. The USA,, one totally
> F'kd up
> country.

Quoted message said:

> A passenger train system that doesn't carry bicycles that aren't in
> boxes?
> Duh?

Quoted message said:

Well, wrong, it does.

Quoted message said:

> In many cities the public buses have bicycle hangers on the front of
> the
> bus. You put your bicycle on the rack, load on the bus and go.

Quoted message said:

> Yet; Amtrak .. a rail line which is paid for by the US taxpayers
> can't
> figure out how to carry a freaking bicycle?

Quoted message said:

There are several options for carrying a bike onto Amtrak. However,
just
like some European countries, France in particular, not every train,
such
as some express/local trains and TGV (bike has to be packed in a
housse)
will carry bikes as a RORO or in a box. At least if you use the Amtrak
baggage car, you can get your bike when you arrive rather than days
later
as in France.

Quoted message said:

> The USA sucks.. sorry about my feelings and I do live here but it
> still
> sucks.

Quoted message said:

> > Ever try taking a bike on the NJTransit NE Corridor on a Friday
> > after
> > off-peak have started? Plan on using a long time window, as
> > conductors
> > will say "wait for the next train" if its the least bit crowded.
> > You're far better off to pick an end of the train (rear) further
> > from
> > conductors so that you can already board before they start in on
> > you.

Quoted message said:

Most European express/locals have similar restrictions.

Quoted message said:

> > Note: this is not LIVEDRUNK approved, as no alcohol is permitted
> > onboard the Limo Liner.

Quoted message said:

> > -bdbafh- Hide quoted text -

Quoted message said:

- Show quoted text -

I'd say "near-willful ignorance is the worst American trait", but I
was the one too lazy to track down your link from the earlier post....

I booked my Acela ticket online yesterday, without tacking on the
additional bike cost. I guess I'll call Amtrak and find out what to
do.

/s

Amtrak must be schizophrenic because I've taken my bike on one twice
this Summer without a box, or extra charge. One was from Santa
Barbara to Anaheim and the other San Diego to Anaheim. They (the
employees) were really cool and accomodating about it in each case as
well.

JD

(R. S. Y. Buchanan) said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Scott Gordo said:

I'm planning a trip from NYC up to Boston next week, and by taking the
train I'm hoping to bring a bike along as a freebie.

Unless you're taking the Lakeshore Ltd. or the Vermonter to Albany, and
then transfer to the 448 east to Boston, you are probably SOL. There is
no baggage service on the Acella Express or Regional service. You can
bring a folding bike aboard (and some conductors are sticklers for them
being in a bag of some sort), but full-sized bikes are a no-go in my
experience.

Train #66 (I can;t remember its name but it used to have one) has a
baggage car. That was a good way to get to Boston from DC at one time,
with sleeping cars- go to bed and wake up in Boston. Now the sleeping
cars have been removed because of equipment shortages.

The problem is that the citizens mostly want train service but
generally don't have the balls to force the GOP politicians to
adequately support passenger rail. Privatization really cannot provide
an acceptable level of service, and there is NO evidence to suggest
that it does anything but make it worse.

On Sep 8, 5:15 pm, "Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

West Coast ...

On the West Coast the world is different.

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever use
a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

Yeah, then those fools need to get the hell out of their cages and
ride the train once in a while.

JD

"Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:VWGEi.2905$jn3.328@trndny05...

Quoted message said:

West Coast ...

On the West Coast the world is different.

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever
use a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

And someone on the west coast is paying when there is flooding or a tornado
in the Midwest.

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Sep 8, 5:15 pm, "Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

West Coast ...

On the West Coast the world is different.

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever
use
a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

Yeah, then those fools need to get the hell out of their cages and
ride the train once in a while.

In those fools defense, they get stuck with some pretty lousy schedules for
the train service that is offered.

Carl Sundquist said:

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Sep 8, 5:15 pm, "Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

West Coast ...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On the West Coast the world is different.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever
use
a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

Quoted message said:

Yeah, then those fools need to get the hell out of their cages and
ride the train once in a while.

In those fools defense, they get stuck with some pretty lousy schedules for
the train service that is offered.

So, if those fools decide to head somewhere for the weekend, they
can't hop a train instead of jumping in their car? Two of the best
long distance rides I have done on the road bike this tear were to a
destination and then return on the train. Excuses are like [censored],
everyone has one and the midwest houses some rather large ones.

JD

On Sep 8, 7:15 pm, "Sir Thomas of Cannondale" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

West Coast ...

On the West Coast the world is different.

But ,, remember.. Someone in Ohio, or Penn or Iowa who never would ever use
a train is paying for that F'n Amtrak ride ..

That's a load of [censored]. In the first place, contrary to widespread
ignorant belief, _generally_ speaking it is the coasts' federal tax
dollars that subsidize the middle. Second, "Penn" benefits from trains
a lot. It is in the NW Corridor.Third, the NW corridor from DC to
Boston is the closest thing there is in the US to self funding
passenger rail (outside of maybe the autotrain from VA to FL).
Finally, most US citizens do not want their train service eliminated
(although you could probably talk them into eliminating someone
else's), and I'm guessing that probably includes even Iowa, whose
train service is more costly to subsidize than the NW Corridor.