Amtrak’s proposals for altering or eliminating some of its long-distance train routes, in favor of more frequent service where the population is growing, is facing opposition among those who fear rural America would suffer.
Jason Bellini of the Wall Street Journal reports.
Unlike other countries, the U.S. has no true high-speed trains, aside from sections of Amtrak’s Acela line in the Northeast Corridor. The Acela can reach 150 mph for only 34 miles of its 457-mile span. Its average speed between New York and Boston is about 65 mph.
California’s high-speed rail system is under construction, but whether it will ever get completed as intended is uncertain.
Watch the video to see why the U.S. continues to fail with high-speed trains, and some companies that are trying to fix that.
While in Europe it’s more affordable and also faster. Here the trip from NYC to DC will cost a lot , people who can’t afford prefer buses. Someone need to make trips more affordable
Buses DC to NYC are $30 to $60. If you buy Amtrak 2 weeks ahead its $50 and an hour faster.
I’m not sure how or when you’re getting this impression. I look at the NY-Baltimore and NY-DC routes quite often, always hoping to find affordable rates. Even months ahead of time, the only $50 rates that I find are at horrible times, like 3am. For the most part, $90 is the best that I can expect to see for a human time of day, and must often the reasonable times (not traveling before 8am or after 11pm) are $120 and above. What’s more, that’s a one way price. All Amtrak tickets are priced I’ve-way, and added together for your round-trip… Read more »
Whenever I tavel long distance, unless time is a factor, I go Amtrak. Compared to driving on long distance trips the time is aproximately the same as it would be with motel stays. Long distance Amtrak is a great way to travel for many reasons. For most stations there is little or no hassel of parking and going through TSA check is very limited. Baggage allowances are very generous. As stated in this video it is often the only mass transportatin between many cities and to many universities. For families, seniors and students it is very economical. Comfort is a… Read more »
Long distance trains are necessary for people who no longer drive.
What about flying? Yes, you’d need to get to the airport … but you’d need to get to the train station too. For long-distance trips, I’ve found plane tickets to be much less expensive more often than not.
Cost for seniors is discounted, up to 2 yr olds are free, children up to 12x are 1/2 price. There are other discounts and often special deals. The automated system and agents always give ythe best deals – no need to search websites to compare fares. Most stations are located in older down town centers so taxi or other transportation is available without hassle. Even in smal towns taxis are waiting when trains arrive. The waiting areas are much more comfortable tha n in airports. If you have sleeper accomodations there are often lounges for before and after or between… Read more »
These Amtrak trains are very important because they enable the camp emunah traveling shluchos to take their 18 hour train ride to Northern California! It’s actually so fun!!
Please don’t drop these long distance trains. Some people are unable to ride in cars for long distances or can’t fly for various reasons!!🙏🙏
I take Amtrak from Jacksonville Florida to New London Connecticut several times a year. I refuse to be subjected to the hectic pace, invasive abuses, misery and discomfort of child-size seats, and general disdain for passengers by airlines. On Amtrak, I feel like a valued customer. My 24 hour trip in my sleeping car is like a mini vacation. I love visiting with new people in the dining car. It seems, though, that this will be discontinued on my beloved Silver Meteor by my next trip. A very sad move Mr. Anderson.😞 Although my trip in a sleeper car may… Read more »
Yes I love the train. It takes me back to when my grandmother and I would travel to Savannah Georgia with chicken and cake in our lunch bag.😁
I’ve never been stuck in the middle seat between two obese people on a train, you can always move to another car if you want.
Every form of transportation is subsidized. When it snows, they will clear the municipal airport runways before streets! People have just decide that only Amtrak is subsidized. It’s a lie.
Empire builder should add More trains going to Chicago and portland and seattle
Just got off this yesterday. Despite the hard bed, was well worth the trip. Say it’s not, and your lying as we were completely sold out from Seattle to Chicago.
We need high speed rail trains. After taking them in Japan, we are hooked! So much better than flying or driving!
Current Amtrak management is trying to kill off the long distance trains. I guess that’s what happens when you have an airline executive trying to run a railroad. Apparently everyone has lost sight of the fact that air travel, bus travel and the trucking industry receive far more in subsidies than Amtrak.
I took the train to Chicago in May 2019. First time ever. The only alternative was the plane of which I was terrified.
I am planning on going back on the train for Thanksgiving with my 5 children. there is no way I could afford a plane for all of us. Please DO NOT DROP THE TRAINS.
Recently I took the Amtrak Southwest Chief to Flagstaff. It was a 10 hour, overnight from Los Angeles. I enjoyed it. I love the train. As much as the visor says Amtrak hasn’t yet given way to breaking routes up with buses, they have removed the stop in Williams. This means people the are going to Williams… A town known for trains… Need to take a bus. And I’ve taken the Los Angeles San Joaquin to Fresno and from LA to Bakersfield, you have to take a bus. The bus is terrible. I hope they find a way to keep… Read more »
AMTRAK IS BEING murdered by the current administration!
Anderson the Butcher
Richard Anderson destroyed much of what was good about Delta Airlines. Now he’s chopping on Amtrak. He belongs out, or better yet, in a Basic Economy center seat by the restrooms on a Delta flight. He ruined the great Delta hub in Cincinnati and lied for several years about Delta’s intention. No doubt he’ll continue to do the same to Amtrak.
Wish they would put the shuttle bus from Columbia to Florence on again.
If they did, they would get more customers for these long distance routes.
It’s been a long time since I have ever seen an ad for Amtrak.