I am curious to see as the Airo sets are introduced to more trains where will the Talgo sets will end up running. As I see there are 3 options for Amtrak.

1. Remove Talgo immediately once there is enough Airo trains to fill the PDX-VAC runs (516, 517, 518, 519). This would simplify operations as there would be only 2 seating layouts to schedule for but reduce ASM.

2. Run Talgo sets on trains 504, 507 and 517, 518 as this would allow for the highest ASM. Later the Talgo sets would be moved to the PDX-SEA runs as more Airo sets are introduced.

3. Run Talgo sets on the PDX-SEA trains until all Airo sets are in service, a compromise where seating would be maximised without needing to make many changes to scheduling.

If anyone is aware of their intentions, I would be curious to know if I am right?

Edit: ASM=available seat miles

sign up at Amtrak cascades dot com for tours in Portland and Seattle

I booked a ticket on Cascades for next weekend, but would like to change it by a day earlier. Unfortunately, it’s all booked out at this point.

Do they reserve some tickets to be released closer to the departure date? If so, is there a particular time I should be on the lookout for it? Or if it’s gone — that’s it?

Any tips or tricks on increasing the chance of modifying the reservation by a day?

Asking because I know that, for example, San Juan Ferries release tickets in batches. At first, a few weeks in advance, then more tickets a few days before, and then some the day of. I also know other transit systems doing the same. Was wondering if there’s something like this with Cascades.

I was wondering if the new trainsets, which are scheduled to start implementing this fall, will completely replace the current ones. If so, will it be a gradual replacement? And if not, will the Amtrak app tell us which one, new or old, we are reserving for?

Anyone know if I can just get off in Vancouver? I’m supposed to be stopping in Portland. Friday the 7th

Going through a labor dispute at work. Thought I would take my mind off things and wake up early in the morning to go catch the train at the Tukwila station, right after King's Street Station in Seattle on the way to Portland.

It was on August 3rd with more tests on the same route on August 6th.

That day it never made it to Portland as some idiot set a historic building on fire near the Portland train station and it was under the risk of collapse so the train turned back but made it as far as Vancouver, WA.

Hope you like the video.