I've long advocated so-called "mirror" trains that would run some 12 hours
opposite from the long-distance trains on routes that currently have only
one Amtrak train per day in each direction -- resulting in many areas being
"served" only in the middle of the night.

Of course, that would presume that Amtrak has the money and equipment to run
such trains.


One important factor to consider about locations being visited by Amtrak's
display train is how few stations actually have the capacity to have a
display train located there for an extensive period without tying up a main
line.

Most American passenger stations -- outside those in a few very large cities --
have no excess track capacity to house a display train. And, setting up a
display train away from a regular passenger station poses all sorts of other
logistical and liability issues.

This is one of the issues I addressed in an essay on my Web site,
"What's wrong with America's passenger stations?"

-- Ernest

P.S.: Yes, I rode Amtrak within the past week -- on North Carolina's "Piedmont"
service with state-owned equipment.