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Trans-Canada rail trip shop ? Experience please ???

September 26, 2019 08:04PM
Has anyone done this? Even part of the way across the country? I am meaning the trains with sleeping accommodations. I am considering this but want to hear from any who have done it. PM if you prefer to be specific, but please remember: I know which MSC, so am not asking you to reveal that. . I just want to know about the train accommodations and the complexity of the report.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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September 27, 2019 05:32AM
Sounds like a dream job!
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October 01, 2019 07:51AM
I’ve only done the airline shops for the MSC and the reports are quite lengthy (and repetitive) so I’d think the train shop would be too. Am thinking of trying it someday though,

Susie shopping the Columbus Ohio area and outlying communities.
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October 01, 2019 11:41AM
The website offers a look at the long haul rail survey. Considering that it is covering a 4 day trip, it is pretty simple. You have to go to the foot of the Instructions page to see the survey. And, you have 72 hours after arrival at your destination to complete it.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
October 01, 2019 08:12PM
My mother did one! She is not a shopper and this is the only shop she has ever done. I was super nervous for her and I did give her some pointers on the report (she had trouble making full sentences a few times and I encouraged her to proof-read and to give more details). But overall, the amount of work she put into it was definitely worth the return and she loved it so much she is doing her second one (a shorter route, only overnight) in a couple of weeks.
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October 01, 2019 08:14PM
Regarding accommodations - my mother felt they were fine, and commiserate with other North American train experiences where you have a sleeper car, but shower is down the hall, that type of thing. This is NOT however The Ghan or The Orient Express in terms of luxury...
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October 01, 2019 08:41PM
MickeyB,
Many thanks for sharing. I have read a ton of reviews and realize that nearly all of the negative ones were from passengers who did not realize that the operator's trains must yield to freight. So, delays, which are totally normal because of that seemed to really upset them. The same is true for Amtrak long haul trains, which I have taken, and enjoyed, all over the US. I figure if a 5 hour airline trip is 30 minutes late, no one is surprised. On a FOUR DAY train journey, just imagine multiplying 30 minutes by the number of 5 hours segments longer that is scheduled to be.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
October 13, 2019 03:35PM
found the MSC who has those transportation shops, but wonder if there are rail routes in the US or Canada only.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/13/2019 04:11PM by SS4U.
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