Reply to Amtrak finally starting roll-on service

According to the Pittsburgh Post is finally ready to start offering roll-on service for bikes on their Washington to Pitt line, starting as early as next week. Charge will be $25 and cyclists will be able to get on or off at any station on the route.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2015/08/28/Amtrak-ready-to-allow-roll-on-bike-service-between-Pittsburgh-Washington-D-C/stories/201508280137

The article in the above link merely described another test by real live cyclists. Apparently, it was successful (again) because, against all odd the service has begun. There are 8 spaces in the coach-baggage car on the END of the train, not the baggage car on the front end. There are spaces for 8 bikes. You reserve a space by clicking the "Add bike to trip" icon on the reservation page. Oddly enough the cost is $20. For more details than Amtrak would be able to provide, see http://www.atatrail.org/.

Adventure Cycling released press on the new service on 9/14. Cost is $20 and there are spots for 6 bikes. There are restrictions on type and weight of bike. Bike service is not available at all stops. Just booked 4 spots today for Oct.

@Majahonke:

"there are spots for 6 bikes" Everything I've read, including the two articles on the Adventure Cycling site say 8.

"Bike service is not available at all stops" Similarly, everything I've read says all stops. Nothing at Adventure Cycling seems to contradict that.

I did a test booking from Waterloo, In to Alliance, OH for 8 people in late October. It limited me to 7 bikes; one space must already have been booked.

The AC site did say: you need to "arrive 30 minutes prior to train departure to allow time to transport the bike to the baggage car". Practically speaking, with the exception of DC and Chicago, and possibly Pittsburgh, that means get there when the train arrives. If you get there earlier, and they let you onto the platform, position yourself to the rear of the expected train. In Cumberland, that would be to the left as you face the tracks.
For DC and Chicago, that means get there when they begin the boarding process, which is usually 30 minutes before departure. They won't let you onto the platform before that. Normally, they board seniors, disabled, and those with children first. I doubt they will add bicycles to the priority boarding list. That's not too bad since the bike car will be the last one on the train, and the one nearest the gate.

It will be interesting to find out how they handle the sleeping car passengers' "kindergarten walk" from the Acela (DC) and Metropolitan (Chi) lounges to the train.

I jsut reserved 2 spots (DC to Harpers Ferry, and DC to Connellsville) on Oct 4th. Hope it all works out. Did not meet any issues in the online registration.

Amtrak's press release:
http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/939/340/Amtrak-Offers-More-Bike-Service-On-The-Capitol-Limited-ATK-15-048.pdf

"In Cumberland, that would be to the left as you face the tracks."

Sorry. The rear of the train will be to the left IF YOUR ARE TRAVELING TOWARD CHICAGO. To the right if toward DC.