Although it’s always fun to stand up and walk through the train cars to the dining car or snack bar car, sometimes you find the scenery outside the window so riveting that you don’t want to move. If that’s the case for you, Amtrak’s got an answer. The company is experimenting with letting passengers order its food remotely to be delivered right to their seats, as reported by The Points Guy.
Right now, the service is only available on certain Acela trains in the northeast traveling between Boston and Washington, D.C. The test program lets you either swing by the cafe car to pick up your meal or have it brought to you. The food prices will be the same for walk-up customers, with a 50-cent service fee for ordering online and an additional $2 fee for seat delivery.
One big benefit? If you’re unsteady on your feet and don’t want to carry, say, a hot coffee that you might drop or spill, this delivery service is a great idea. It also keeps you from cooling your heels if you’re waiting for food that requires time to prepare. Fred Gazzolo, Amtrak's vice president of product development and customer analytics, told The Points Guy that, "Our customers who are traveling with family, have reduced mobility, and are seniors report that the at-seat delivery option is important and has improved their onboard experience."
The specific trains trying out this service are on the Washington, D.C. to Boston route (trains 2160, 2170, 2250 and 2254) and the return trip (trains 2163 and 2253). A few hours before your train departs, you should receive an email that outlines how to order.
The 90-day test program ends in mid-January. At that point, Amtrak will decide whether to roll out the service to more of its trains.
Today's the last day to book tickets with Amtrak's flash winter sale.