Riding Amtrak's Palmetto goes from skyscrapers to rolling countryside on a long-distance train with a difference.

I booked a first-class ticket on an Amtrak Acela train, which included perks like meal service and access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge.

In other words, Amtrak may own and oversee general station operations, but it’s NJT and the MTA that have the most at stake ...