On Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 5:21:42 PM UTC-4, John Levine wrote:
> In article
>   wrote:
> >Around 1940, Pullman advertised berths for as slow as $2.65.
> >However, that didn't include the higher first class rail fare,
> >which was about $2.60 more.  There was also 10% Federal Tax.
> >So, a Pullman berth cost about $6 back then.  With a rough
> >inflation factor of 15, that comes to $90 in today's dollars,
> >not something that cheap.
>
> From where to where?  If it's New York to Chicago, that's a steal.

They called it an average trip of roughly 300 miles.

Boston to Philadelphia was roughly 300 miles.  The New Haven quoted
the following fares in 1937:

Coach $7.30

Pullman fare (railfare plus accommodation charge)
railfare $10.50  (plus)

Parlor seat  $1.50
Lower        $2.50
Upper        $2.00
Compartment  $7.00 (requires two or more people).
Drawing Room $9.00 (requires two or more people).


Here is the text from one of the ads:

1937

$2.50 BUYS SO MUCH IN A PULLMAN CAR

Half of all the millions of Pullman passengers pay only $2.50
each for their Pullman accommodations--the price of a lower
berth on an overnight journey of about 300 miles.  The other half
pays more or less--depending on the accommodation selected and
the distance traveled.  But just consider what these millions
get for their $2.50.  Deep, restful sleep in comfortable beds,
with plenty of covers and crisp, fresh linen.  Inviting seats
to lounge in by day.  Spotless dressing rooms, with plenty of
fresh towels, soap, hot and cold running water.  In the
air-conditioned cars, cool, filtered air in summer--tempered
humidified warmth in winter!  And above all--unequaled safety!
Not a passenger or employe fatality in a Pullman car in nearly
three years!  Add to these the deft, efficient service of a
trained Pullman staff, and you have the utmost in travel value
for your $2.50.

Further, you can make this overnight journey of about 300 miles
for only $2.00 where an upper berth is used.  Or, you can enjoy
a whole Pullman section for only $3.50; a private bedroom for
$4.50 for one, or $2.50 each for two; a compartment at $3.50
each for three.  These are examples of the reasonable cost of
Pullman accommodations.  For longer distances, of course, costs
are in proportion.

Ask you ticket agent for complete information on the various
Pullman accommodations available and the total cost for the
next trip you plan to take.  Or write

THE PULLMAN COMPANY, CHIAGO

[illustrations]

You lounge and relax in club-like comfort.

You sleep like a child in a restful inviting bed.

You enjoy the facilities of modern dressing rooms.

You arrive safe tat your destination--refreshed and alert.  No matter what the
weather, Pullman gets you there--without worry, without waste of time, and in
safety!

PULLMAN AND RAIL--THE SAFE WAY TO GO AND THE SURE WAY TO GET THERE

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