Why Trains Suck in America

Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.

I really agree with #5 on this. Train travel is very comfortable and seems much more dignified than being crammed between two people in coach class on a plane.
When I lived in the bay area I was amazed how many people insist on flying from SF to Sacramento. Come on, do the math: Add up the time taken to get to SFO, then the long lines at the airport, long security checks, etc. By the time someone has taken a stressful plane ride to Sacramento they'd could have just taken the train and relaxed. It takes the same amount of time, pretty much. By the time the air travelers are still in line to check baggage, I'm on the train having another glass of wine and reading a good book, the NY Times or watching the scenery roll by.
I love the trains in the US, except for the frequent announcements on the PA system. Now I just plan my CD selections with good headphones, literally choosing the soundtrack to match the scenery.
Crossy-country? If I have the time, I always prefer Amtrak. Packing a great picnic for the trip is an art & and a science...
I hope Mexico brings back the passenger trains. Up until the mid-80's you could still catch and old Pullman train(from the 1930's) and it was only about $1 dollar for every hundred miles.

Add your comments

Your comments:

Remember me

E-Mail me when someone replies to this comment

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.