Hello Reader,

This is a long one, but it includes a lot of Amtrak travel information.

Changes to Amtrak's Flex Dining

While preparing for this trip, I checked out and printed the current flex dining menu and noticed a few changes. I like to carry one with me, knowing that things can change.

Amtrak now offers different lunch options than it did in the fall when I took the Cardinal. Another change I saw was that all the menus are the same. There was a separate City of New Orleans menu.

Lunch now includes a roll or chips, and dinner still consists of a roll, salad, and an alcoholic beverage. You can order a dinner option for lunch. I was not able to do that this week, but the burger was good.

With the current menu, my favorite meals are the Beef Paprikash, the Butter Chicken, and the salmon, which is also good. I am not saying the others are bad, but I have not had them for a while, or they are not my thing. For breakfast, I prefer the Bourbon Apple Crepes or the French Toast when available.

The Butter Cake is on the dessert menu, one of my favorite desserts for any meal, well, maybe not breakfast (I probably would still take it).

Amtrak Texas Eagle Schedule Changes

In November, Amtrak adjusted the southbound Texas Eagle schedule, pushing most South/Westbound departure times back by about 25 minutes. The train now departs Chicago at 2:10 pm instead of 1:45 pm, with similar delays at stations along the route to San Antonio and Los Angeles.

The northbound schedule remains essentially unchanged, with only minor adjustments.

Amtrak Sale: $250 Rail Pass - Is It Right For You?

Amtrak's USA Rail Pass is on sale for $250 (normally $499) through January 20. Here's how to determine if it makes sense:

This works well if you're:

• Planning a multi-city trip covering 3+ destinations
• Flexible with travel times
• Traveling solo or coordinating separate reservations with companions

Skip it if:

• You're doing a simple round-trip (just buy regular tickets)
• You need sleeper accommodations (pass is coach-only)
• Your route requires Acela or the Auto Train

The math: At $25 per segment, you break even after about 5-6 rides, depending on where you're going. But remember - if you're connecting, each train counts as a segment.

​Get more details or make your reservation here!​

New Cardinal Stop Coming to Oxford, Ohio

Oxford, Ohio, is moving forward with a new Amtrak station on the Cardinal route, projected to open in 2027. The $4 million multimodal facility will be located on Chestnut Street, just blocks from Miami University's campus.

This fills a gap on the Cardinal's route between Cincinnati (32 miles south) and Connersville, Indiana (25 miles northwest).

The station will feature a waiting room with a train display board and connections to Butler County Regional Transit. Groundbreaking is expected later this year.

Mardi Gras Service Gets Extra Capacity for Carnival Season

Amtrak is adding a third coach car to one of the two Mardi Gras Service trainsets from January 9 through February 23. The extra car operates on trains 23 and 26: the 6:30 am departure from Mobile to New Orleans and the 5:31 pm return.

This adds about 60 seats to each of those trains. The other daily round-trip (trains 24 and 25) will continue operating with only two coaches, although when I rode the 26 this week it had an extra coach.

If you're planning to ride during Mardi Gras season, book sooner rather than later, even with the extra car.

If you are interested in Mardi Gras in New Orleans, check out the Beyond Bourbon Street Podcast!

What is Kev Up To?

Getting ready for a trip can be fun, but it can also be stressful! On most Sundays, I started by playing the organ, then went to the brewery. That meant on Monday I needed to buckle down to get things done! And for the most part, I did.

More on the trip next week!

Bringing things to a close

Thank you for your continued support. Your messages and other forms of encouragement mean a lot to me and help keep the website and newsletter running. I couldn't do it without you! Thank you to my Patreon supporters. You folks rock. Did you know Patreon members can receive a postcard from me every month if they choose?

Interested in supporting this work? Check out my Patreon or other support options, or hit the green button below. Can't contribute right now? No problem; just sharing this with fellow travelers helps more than you know!

Until Next Week!

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith