After years of promising it, Amtrak is about to offer roll-on bicycle service on the Capitol Limited route that passes through Pittsburgh.
With two premier bike trails parallel to the route, enthusiasts and bicycle organizations have long pressed the railroad to add the service. Currently, bikes must be dismantled and packed in boxes and can only be loaded on and off trains at staffed stations, of which there are none between here and Washington, D.C.
“The expansion of bike service will take place as early as next week,”
But...
Reservations will be required and the railroad will charge a $25 fee for the service, even though passengers will be responsible for rolling their bikes onto the trains, securing them, and rolling them off. Only standard-sized bikes will be permitted. The service will be available at all stations on the route, which extends from Chicago to Washington.
I'm holding my breath that this time it's real. I'm taking the train mid September to Pittsburgh and riding back.
The $25 charge is more than what users pay on other lines. But it's what I would have paid anyway on the Capitol Limited to buy a box ($15) and check it ($10).
So for the same price one is getting more convieinence and flexibility.
Posted by: Jeffb | August 31, 2015 at 08:13 AM
When I took my bike on Amtrak to Pittsburgh a few years ago (in a box) I received the completely complementary service of glares and scoffing noises from the steward.
Posted by: Jack Cochrane | August 31, 2015 at 08:37 AM
I'm thinking October...
Posted by: Greenbelt | August 31, 2015 at 12:32 PM
“The expansion of bike service will take place as early as next week,” Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods confirmed on Thursday.
My hope is after Labor Day. If they don't implement it soon might as well wait until next Spring!
Posted by: Jeffb | August 31, 2015 at 01:20 PM
Great news. I hope that the officials at either end know about this rule change, and don't freak out when I try to wheel my bike on board.
Posted by: SJE | August 31, 2015 at 05:54 PM
Amtrak lost my bike for a day when I did the GAP to C&O earlier this year, so I prefer the option of loading and unloading it myself.
Posted by: Jeff | September 01, 2015 at 10:56 AM
@Jeff
Now you're scaring me! :(
Posted by: jeffb | September 01, 2015 at 11:52 AM
Just got on the capital limited heading for Pittsburgh with 4 bikers who completed the trail today. They were told no Roll on service yet! Just for the record today is Tuesday 9-8-15
Posted by: Peter Henry | September 08, 2015 at 04:21 PM
Amtrak is worse than DDOT on the streetcar! First rule of PR - under promise and over deliver. Amtrak keeps getting that backwards :(.
Posted by: Jeffb | September 09, 2015 at 08:54 AM
Just spoke with the trains conductor on the capital limited into Chicago on 09-10-2015 and he stated that no one has ever notified him of the start of roll on service.
Posted by: Peter Henry | September 10, 2015 at 09:04 AM
Perhas the upcoming Papal visit has completely captured all of Amtrak's attention. Walking and chewing gum at the same time can be hard.
Greenbelt's guess is looking stronger and stronger.
Posted by: Jeffb | September 10, 2015 at 12:32 PM
I booked a bike on the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh. It cost $20. I think it started September 15.
Posted by: Dan | September 18, 2015 at 03:58 PM