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More People Traveling with Amtrak
Here's a few days old article out of USA Today I had been meaning to post, but didn't get around to it until now. Amtrak ridership is on the rise and factors include tighter airport security and high gas prices according to the article. The hike in travelers riding is mainly in the Northeast, South and Midwest with the busiest trains coming out of Washington DC. Less security hassle or screening makes Amtrak a more convenient and relaxing way to go visit family when your nerves are already pinched from co-workers back at the office. I don't work in an office, but I can understand that - no one wants the extra bother to top off their holiday if it can be avoided. Anyhow, if you haven't already decided on if and how you are going to go home this season or any place for that matter - try looking to Amtrak. It seems as though the short-distance routes might not be so bad on the pockets either.Filed under: Business, Stories, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
James Welchert Dec 11th 2006 6:46PM
Asa young lad traveling I enjoy the train,you could get up and move around. The food was good as I recalland and meet people while you train move thru the country side.I could watch the country slide by and see different sights. Their wasn't the hurry up as intoday world. People need to slow down and enjoy live you only have so much time on this world.
El Poe Dec 11th 2006 9:42PM
Amtrak is a great way to travel! its more comfortable and roomier than an airplane and the food is better. the only negative is that Amtrak is slower than flying.
Kristy Dec 11th 2006 7:11PM
As a college student in Philly, traveling to and fro on Amtrak is not always the best experience. I'm originally from New York, and while once I get on the train, the trip is very pleasent, it is getting onto the train that is a problem. I have never taken a train that hasn't been at LEAST 20 minutes late -- the longest a train of mine was ever delayed was 2 hours & fifty minutes. Once, the train was canceled all together. I don't mind taking Amtrak, but I do wish they could be more on time.
Lillian Castner Dec 11th 2006 7:31PM
One of the greatest benefits of train travel(at least in the Northeast corridor) is that the trains bring you to stations right into the downtown area, rather than flying into the airport requiring a 30 to 45 minute taxi ride into town at a $40.00 taxi fare each way. Couple that with the time saved against checkin 2 hours prior and the security hassles. Amtrak is far superior in that regard.
cindy Dec 11th 2006 7:52PM
My husband and I rode Amtrak from Boston to Portland, ME in May. We paid a few dollars more for "business class." It was well worth it. Plenty of room and quiet. The best part was "no stress." Far superior to driving. We recommend it highly. The staff was great.The scenery was beautiful.
C.L.Gilliland Dec 11th 2006 8:09PM
This year I find that the stations in Fl that I go to are closed, and i would have to ride a couple more hours to Orlando to get off, and go back 30 miles. One station is not closed, just that no trains go there, I would have to get on a bus for the final leg of the trip! And the time! 3 hours late. Yuk!
Two years ago, I rode, and loved it, the time was about what it would be to drive, I could sleep most of the way, they even gave me a pillow. There was plenty of leg room, and I could walk around. I loved it, but not any more.
Myrna Henderson Dec 11th 2006 8:15PM
My father was a railroad employee so I am a little prejudice. I have ridden trains all my life and love it. For people who are complaining about schedules, complain to the government. A passenger train has to pull over to let freight trains pass. If this country would move into the 21st century and build a high speed rail system, we wouldn't have that problem. I do fault Amtrak for not keeping the trains cleaner. The restrooms could be a lot better maintained. Of course, the passengers can be blamed for that. Some people just don't care what they throw in a toilet if they don't have to pay for the repair. I am going to Chicago for Christmas and the only way I will travel there is by train. Our government only gives lip service to mass transportation. We don't have a lot of choices in this country. If you think travelling by train is bad, try riding a bus across country.