crs1026
Superstar
If you contrast the Park car (or any inward facing lounge car with good window views) with Amtrak's Superliner lounges - which have outward facing seats along the center line of the car - I would rate the inward facing seats as a much better passenger experience for the majority of passengers. The socialising aspects while enjoying a side window are material to many travellers and the view does not need to be perfect so long as one can enjoy it in a fair measure. (on my Canadian rides, I have inwardly cringed at people who bury themselves in a book or a movie on their tablet - but to each their own).
I know a number of people who rode the Canadian during the buffer car era - some enthusiasts, and some not - and not one has complained that the buffer car ruined their experience as a passenger.
Having said that, it will be an interesting challenge for VIA when and if a replacement fleet is designed - how to create a superior passenger experience and enable sightseeing. I suspect that domes and round end observations will not longer meet crashworthiness standards, and flexibility may dictate an end to dedicated rear-end cars. Again, I have my preferences, but that's just one opinion, and the designers may have others.
- Paul
I know a number of people who rode the Canadian during the buffer car era - some enthusiasts, and some not - and not one has complained that the buffer car ruined their experience as a passenger.
Having said that, it will be an interesting challenge for VIA when and if a replacement fleet is designed - how to create a superior passenger experience and enable sightseeing. I suspect that domes and round end observations will not longer meet crashworthiness standards, and flexibility may dictate an end to dedicated rear-end cars. Again, I have my preferences, but that's just one opinion, and the designers may have others.
- Paul
