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Thanks for joining me for another Amtrak update!

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Amtrak Hurricane Alert

The Crescent, Auto Train, and Silver Service trains are affected if you have an upcoming trip. Check out this Amtrak page to get the latest news.

The Floridian

Have you heard tickets are now available for the new Amtrak Floridian service, which starts November 10, 2024? The service offers a transfer-free option from Chicago to Miami, combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star routes.

This streamlined service skips Silver Star stops North of Washington, DC, but includes all Capitol Limited stops. Eliminating the need for transfers makes travel from the Midwest to the East Coast and Florida more convenient.

However, passengers North of Washington, DC, who relied on picking up the Silver Star directly between NYC and DC may need to adjust their plans. They can connect to the Floridian in Washington, DC, via Amtrak regional service or other trains. Note that the Amtrak lounge in DC is available to sleeper car passengers, providing a more comfortable layover experience during transfers.

The train features Amtrak’s Viewliner and Amfleet II equipment, a cafe car, and traditional dining—basically, similar to the Silver Star.

Although the Floridian is a temporary service, it helps address Amtrak’s Superliner equipment shortage and reduces congestion on other routes. By freeing up yard space and easing traffic, Amtrak can focus on maintenance and infrastructure work, improving overall efficiency for long-distance travel.

It could also be an excellent way for Amtrak to gauge the feasibility of a Chicago-to-Florida train, possibly using a different route.

For schedules and more information, check out my latest article on the Floridian.

What Kev Has Been Up To!

I’ve wanted to take another extended train trip and had some ideas. I initially considered going coast to coast, starting with Capitol Limited and then transferring to the Southwest Chief, but that plan fell through, which wasn’t a big deal.

After that, I looked into the “New Orleans Triangle.” That plan was to start from Chicago, take the City of New Orleans to spend the night, then take the Crescent to Philadelphia, and finally take the NEC and Capitol Limited back home. However, that didn’t work out either.

Here’s what I’m doing.

I build websites for a few other people and businesses, including one for Radiant Life Health LLC in St. Petersburg, FL, for a friend of mine. His office partner likes my work and is interested in what I can do for her. Since I had things to do for Ben, I decided to stop by and chat with her to see if we would be a good fit. Plus, it is nice to hang out with him and his partner.

Initially, I planned to take the Capitol Limited to the Silver Star and then the Silver Meteor to the Cardina home.

However, I am now taking the Floridian there and back! I considered sticking with the Meteor and Cardinal, but I liked being on one train for three days and two nights without a transfer.

What trips do you have coming up?

Bringing this email to a close

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I am genuinely grateful to you for being part of this adventure!

Happy planning and safe travels!

Kev Monteith