Auto Train 22/23 Oct North., Changes. Options

[d.o.n.]

Glenna and I booked the 22nd Oct trip in July on the least expensive day to get me to the Dr in WV on time. Donald and I made two trips via PU and trailer in betrween with only a week in FL before this trrip. Anyway we departed Redland and arrived at Sanford, west end of 3rd St at 1:40 PM. Pulled across the main entrance street and parked part way off the road at the end of the waiting line. We had a D Sheriff for company. Later see the center string crossing the road. Had just arrived from Lorton. A freight train accident held them up outside Savanna. Autos started leaving while our arriving auto string end was way down the road.
Autos stopped coming from the station and we "Stop and Go" to the station. Late loading but we were expected to leave on time. Would have made it but for a "passenger emergency" after all were on board. So we left late. 180 axels including 2 locos.
Had 10 cycles and a covered stack- looked like many boxes- on the cycle carriers. Pulled all in at once with a tractor.
How can you ship your car on the Auto Train without going along for the ride?
Why have over 2 dozen auto carriers with only a few Passengers?
Ron was our car atendent. Both Auto Trains were at Florence for fuel and crew change. South pulled out first. We arrived a half hour early and were on the road in no time.
Did not have time to take Sanford pictures from outside the station. - Next time!
d.o.n.

[KevinKorell]

How can you ship your car on the Auto Train without going along for the ride?

You can't. At very least the car's driver must be a passenger on the train while the car is transported in the auto racks.

Why have over 2 dozen auto carriers with only a few Passengers?

It may seem odd that way, but it's a matter of positioning of equipment. You were going north. This time of year the snowbirds head south. Chances are those auto racks were a lot more full on the train's southbound trip. If they didn't run some "empties" the other way, they would not have them available in Lorton to transport the autos of the larger crowds south.

[d.o.n.]

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.
In the age of "O" a buck is a buck. Rules of the past are past. Bend the ones you don't change.
And what about the Motor cycle platform with a tarp covered pile of what looked like many boxes? And what happened to the tractor that pulled the 6 platforms into the car carrier? Did it make the trip also?

FWIW We made our only un-sked stop about 7 miles south of Florence to let a south bound train roar by. We also stopped at the south edge of the Richmond, Va yard but I think that is an usual stop.
I'll send you a picture with the latest move for money by Amtrak in a day or so. I will not post on the web.
d.o.n.