Amtrak without subsidy, corporate sponsership? - Trains Magazine

daveklepper

But the MBTA has had success in selling the naming of specific subway stations for nearby corporations.

On the Microsoft Califronia Zephyr, I could imagine a portion of the lounge-sightseer car equjpped with a state-of-the-art computer connected to the web and running the most advanced MS programs, with an MS man or woman there to demonstrate the latest and most advanced technology as well as computer operation to those who have been scared to enter the world of the internet and computers.

The two Florida trains might be sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines.

Dave brings up a possibility that is less intrusive than "naming rights" -- namely, companies providing services on board, which would enhance the voyage (& therefore the overall Amtrak image) at no cost to Amtrak, "for promotional consideration".

In the 1970's, several times I had the pleasure to ride the crack SNCF/TEE train from Paris to Marseille and Nice, Le Mistral.  From 1969 to the early '80's (when TGVs took over), Le Mistral used some very fine equipment (boilt under license from Budd, by the way).  This included a unique "bar car" (in addition to the 2 full diners).

This bar car was one-half bar.  The other half is what was unique.  It contained a hair salon/barber (for both men & women), a boutique (where you could buy the latest newspapers & magazines, a new tie or scarf, stationary supplies, as well as souvenirs or something to take home to the family), and the "secretarial service" office.

This "secretarial service" consisted of trained secretaries and a bunch of office equipment, where you could (for example) copy a document, or dictate a letter and have it typed up before you got off the train.  The kicker -- it was, as I recall, all at no charge.  The equipment was provided by Olivetti, and the secretaries by some temp agency like Manpower or Kelly Girl, all for "promotional consideration".

While the specifics are dated (today you would want to be selling USB drives, phone chargers, etc., and the services would be a high speed printer and maybe a computer consultant!), the concept would seem sound.  Perhaps only on daylight sectiions between urban areas, but still, it would be something that no one else (Greyhound/Megabus, the airlines, your car) is offering, at virtually no cost.

Yes, I know, you have to find the vendors willing to do this sort of "advertising".  But has anyone even considered it?