From: M00209@MBVM.Mitre.Org
Newsgroups: rec.railroad
Subject: Re: Maple Lead
Date: 14 Sep 92 17:49:58 GMT
Organization: The MITRE Corporation, Bedford MA 01730

In article <1992Sep14.114806.4639@cbfsb.cb.att.com>
inky@cbnewsg.cb.att.com (barbara.l.leone) writes:
 
>
>I am planning a trip to Niagara Falls in the
>Spring, 1993 and would appreciate any information
>on the Amtrak route (Maple Leaf) New York to
>Niagara Falls.
>
>Thanks,
>Barbara Leone
>bll@hotld!att.com
>
OK, here is the current info.  However, please be aware that there will be a
general schedule change at the end of October, 1992, and again at the beginning
of April, 1993.  As far as I know, there are no MAJOR changes planned for this
route, but MINOR changes should be considered likely.  By that I mean, it is
highly unlikely that a train will be discontinued or a new one added, but it is
highly likely that schedule changes of a few minutes to perhaps even a couple
of hours may occur.
 
Train number (name)         63                283                287
                      (Maple Leaf)     (Niagara Rainbow) (Empire State Express)
 
Days of the week       every day           every day      Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
 
Leave New York           8:15 A.M.          12:45 P.M.          4:21 P.M.
Arrive Niagara Falls NY  4:48 P.M.           9:50 P.M.         12:27 A.M.
Arrive Niagara Falls ONT 6:00 P.M.      these trains do not run into Canada
 
 
 
Train Number (name)       284             286             64           288
                   (Niagara Rainbow) (Empire State   (Maple Leaf)  (Water Level
                                        Express)                       Express)
Days of the week       every day     Mon, Fri, Sat   every day     Sunday only
                                         ONLY
Leave Niagara Falls ONT     originate in NFNY         11:30 A.M. starts at NFNY
Leave Niagara Falls NY   7:05 A.M.     10:20 A.M.      1:00 P.M.     2:45 P.M.
Arrive New York          3:48 P.M.      6:50 P.M.      9:48 P.M.    11:17 P.M.
 
 
NOTE that all trains now leave from and arrive at Pennsylvania Station in New
York, which is located under Madison Square Garden, off Seventh Avenue between
31st and 33rd Streets.  AMTRAK NO LONGER USES GRAND CENTRAL STATION!!!
 
The apparently absurdly long running time between Niagara Falls NY and Niagara
Falls ONT is to allow for Customs and Immigration inspection.
 
 
The equipment on these trains is either Amfleet or Turbo cars.  There is coach
class service only EXCEPT that trains 287, 286 and 288 also offer "Custom Class
Service".  This is defined in the timetable as "Deluxe reserved coach seating.
Complimentary coffee, tea or juice and newspaper".  I have never used it, but I
presume they are extra wide and comfortable seats.  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
for all seats in both coach and Custom Class.  Meal service is limited.  The
symbol used in the timetable is defined as "Sandwiches, snack and beverage
service."  It means just that - sandwiches (they may or may not have a micro-
wave available for "hot" sandwiches), coffee, tea, beer, wine, cocktails, chips
candy, etc.  No hot plate meals.  Checked baggage service is NOT offered.
There is also a through overnight train daily between New York and Chicago
that stops at Buffalo.  It is a full-service train, with checked baggage,
sleeping car, a lounge car and a real dining car as well as more comfortable
"overnight" style coaches, but it is intended as an overnight train for Ohio,
Indiana and Chicago.  Therefore, it passes through Buffalo at insane hours -
namely 5:27 A.M. eastbound and 3:26 A.M. westbound.  For the record, this train
is called the "Lake Shore Limited".
 
Happy traveling.  Amtrak service here is smooth riding, comfortable, and fairly
punctual, though train 64 can be significantly late if Customs has a bad day.
But don't expect old fashioned first class service or a dining car with flowers
on the table, crystal wine glasses, and waiters in starched white uniforms!
 
 
Len Bachelder        Archives Committee, Boston and Maine RR Historical Society
MITRE Corp.           Secretary, Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts
Bedford MA 01730      Member, 470 Railroad Club
<M00209@mbvm.mitre.org>
 
"Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, should'st die for me!"
                                                 - Charles Wesley
Newsgroups: rec.railroad