National Association of Railroad Passengers: www.narprail.org

Photographs of Amtrak’s New Diner-Lounge Car

(story published in the December 2007 issue of NARP News)

“Cross-Country Café” begins on the northbound City of New Orleans on Oct. 28.  The Cafe is a diner/lounge design reflecting lessons learned during the Dec. 2006-Feb. 2007 run of Car 37000 on the Capitol Limited (July News).

The Cross-Country Café will have:

• Continuous service (except from midnight to 6:30 AM).
• In Chicago, food service (and dinner) starting at 7:00 PM (departure is 8:00).
• Service all the way into Chicago north and New Orleans south.  A key factor is elimination of time-consuming end-of-run inventories; there will be surprise audits.
• Menu featuring regional food items such as red beans & rice, jambalaya and shrimp remoulade.

The car is planned to run “solo” year-round, that is, it will replace traditional dining and lounge cars.  In Chicago, sleeping cars and coaches will open for boarding at 6:45 PM and 7:00, respectively.

Taking from lessons learned with the first Diner-Lounge car, the new car has an improved seating configuration

A larger table replaces a smaller “cocktail” table at the inward-facing booths

The condiment station, with storage space for the at-seat cart service.  No more cardboard boxes filled with condiments!

The lighted display case, to the right of the Lounge service area to be used to display products.

The galley, where food is prepared.

Modern light-emitting diode (LED) lamps are at each booth; the ring will hold condiments and other items to prevent them from moving with the motion of the train.

Another view of the new seating arrangement

The condiment stand and seating area.  The service counter is just to the left.

A booth, replacing a half moon-shaped table that was far too small.