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There are really three Amtraks:
>Acela Express
Only between Boston and DC. Almost entirely executive or executive-track white collar professionals, usually over age 30. Comfy, with equipment that's as modern as it gets by Amtrak standards (which isn't saying much), and expensive (similar to air travel). Ironically, the worst food of all, only coffee, alcoholic beverages, and shit like microwave pretzels.
>Non-Acela Northeast Corridor
A good number of white collar professionals, but a mix of executive level and regular people. Still comfy, but more dingy and slow. Not much slower on shorter routes though (like PHL-NYP), hence why frugality-minded corporations don't allow Acela reimbursement for regular employee travel. Similar food to Acela.
>Everything else
Retired people, weirdos (such as foamers or people who are afraid of flying), the unemployed, tourists from other countries, and students. Excruciatingly slow and schedules are too ridiculous to be used for anything practical, hence why you will never see it used for business travel. A good way to go sightseeing and meet people, if you aren't too picky about what kind of people (sometimes you get lucky and you're on a train with cool and interesting people, other times you're stuck with a crazy person who says shit that makes you grit your teeth and you try to smile politely).
Oh and sit-down dining cars with white tablecloths. Not michelin-grade dining but decent enough that you won't want to kill yourself. This is a nice way to meet strangers since you have to share a table with people you don't necessarily know. Otherwise you hang out in the lounge car, or retire to your seat for some privacy.
