passenger trains

[Anonymous]

I love the passenger train as all of us do and have loved them since I was a kid in the 1960's. On this forum, as well as so many other places, there is much discussion about amtrak and saving the trains. Aside from all the political points, lets face the facts. The two primary reasons the passenger train began to fail and still does is simple.
#1- The automobile is convienient- you leave and depart when you wish, no connections and it makes mobility easy upon arrival at a chosen destination.
#2-The airline is fast.

So, it seems to Me Amtrak and all passenger hauling operations need to accomodate that need. I believe a auto-train type project ( such as the original) should be available for all long distance trains and, I think schedules need hours shaved off. By this I mean shorter stopping times at stations and elimination of any other time wasters. Additionally, arcade games in the lounge cars would add revenu and eliminate boredom. And why not let pets board in a spare compartment in cages? all of these "extras" cost money...money many are willing to pay but cannot if these services are not available. what do you think?
amtrak will never seperate People from the beloved automobile...so, accomodate them and speed it up!

[Anonymous]

I love the passenger train as all of us do and have loved them since I was a kid in the 1960's. On this forum, as well as so many other places, there is much discussion about amtrak and saving the trains. Aside from all the political points, lets face the facts. The two primary reasons the passenger train began to fail and still does is simple.
#1- The automobile is convienient- you leave and depart when you wish, no connections and it makes mobility easy upon arrival at a chosen destination.
#2-The airline is fast.

So, it seems to Me Amtrak and all passenger hauling operations need to accomodate that need. I believe a auto-train type project ( such as the original) should be available for all long distance trains and, I think schedules need hours shaved off. By this I mean shorter stopping times at stations and elimination of any other time wasters. Additionally, arcade games in the lounge cars would add revenu and eliminate boredom. And why not let pets board in a spare compartment in cages? all of these "extras" cost money...money many are willing to pay but cannot if these services are not available. what do you think?
amtrak will never seperate People from the beloved automobile...so, accomodate them and speed it up!

[Anonymous]

i agree with you

[Anonymous]

i agree with you

[Anonymous]

Passenger trains need to lower their prices! That's what I think.
From Ottawa to Toronto on VIA Rail (train) for 1 adult is $103 (rounded)
From Ottawa to Toronto on JetsGo (airline) for 1 adult is $99

Ottawa-Toronto return is $205 (rounded) VIA Rail
Ottawa-Toronto return is $198 on JetsGo

Seeing that JetsGo gets you there a few hours faster people would obviously choose JetsGo.

So, if VIA Rail wants more business, they better reduce those prices soon!

[Anonymous]

Passenger trains need to lower their prices! That's what I think.
From Ottawa to Toronto on VIA Rail (train) for 1 adult is $103 (rounded)
From Ottawa to Toronto on JetsGo (airline) for 1 adult is $99

Ottawa-Toronto return is $205 (rounded) VIA Rail
Ottawa-Toronto return is $198 on JetsGo

Seeing that JetsGo gets you there a few hours faster people would obviously choose JetsGo.

So, if VIA Rail wants more business, they better reduce those prices soon!

[Anonymous]

Last week I rode Amtrak's Texas Eagle from Cleburne to Chicago, the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to New York City, and Acela from New York City to Washington DC and back. See some photos I posted.

http://homepage.mac.com/donclark/PhotoAlbum18.html

Most people would rather let someone else do the driving when the driving is more than 4 to 5 hours a day. I arrived fresh and rested when I returned home. I was able to see some of the country I have never seen before, especially upstate New York. I got there in two days, and returned in two days. I don't think I am capable of driving that far in two days. The price for my journey roundtrip was $610, sharing a standard sleeper with my brother. It costs me $180 to sleep two nights in a downtown Washington DC Holiday Inn. Considering that in the sleepers the cost of my food and drinks were included, I think the price is very reasonable. The key to keeping Amtrak prices reasonable is to fill the sleeper with two people instead of one.

Obviously, I could have flown roundtrip for the same amount, its just that the downtown Holiday Inn would probably have cost me twice as much, as I would have stayed longer. But if I had flew, I would not have seen Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, or much of anything else along the way. Would I? Sometimes getting to these downtowns is a chore too, but the train delivered me to these downtowns.

Without any doubt in my mind, Amtrak delivered for less!

Howeveer, I would like to get there in one day. I have posted in the past how and how much? It is something this nation can afford easily, HSR!

[Anonymous]

Last week I rode Amtrak's Texas Eagle from Cleburne to Chicago, the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to New York City, and Acela from New York City to Washington DC and back. See some photos I posted.

http://homepage.mac.com/donclark/PhotoAlbum18.html

Most people would rather let someone else do the driving when the driving is more than 4 to 5 hours a day. I arrived fresh and rested when I returned home. I was able to see some of the country I have never seen before, especially upstate New York. I got there in two days, and returned in two days. I don't think I am capable of driving that far in two days. The price for my journey roundtrip was $610, sharing a standard sleeper with my brother. It costs me $180 to sleep two nights in a downtown Washington DC Holiday Inn. Considering that in the sleepers the cost of my food and drinks were included, I think the price is very reasonable. The key to keeping Amtrak prices reasonable is to fill the sleeper with two people instead of one.

Obviously, I could have flown roundtrip for the same amount, its just that the downtown Holiday Inn would probably have cost me twice as much, as I would have stayed longer. But if I had flew, I would not have seen Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, or much of anything else along the way. Would I? Sometimes getting to these downtowns is a chore too, but the train delivered me to these downtowns.

Without any doubt in my mind, Amtrak delivered for less!

Howeveer, I would like to get there in one day. I have posted in the past how and how much? It is something this nation can afford easily, HSR!

[traisessive1]

and you know what...via isnt dying, via is doing better....and gaining money...unlike amtrak...via is usually within 20 min on time....sometimes later....but usually cause of CN....dsooo

[traisessive1]

and you know what...via isnt dying, via is doing better....and gaining money...unlike amtrak...via is usually within 20 min on time....sometimes later....but usually cause of CN....dsooo

[Anonymous]

Long distance rail travel is expensive, slow, uncomfortable and a drain to the average taxpayer. The auto carrier is a good idea but to late to change the inevitable. Let Amtrac go belly-up, take the money normally spent on Amtrac and invest it in new steal mills. That would help the railroads more then a passenger service.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Long distance rail travel is expensive, slow, uncomfortable and a drain to the average taxpayer. The auto carrier is a good idea but to late to change the inevitable. Let Amtrac go belly-up, take the money normally spent on Amtrac and invest it in new steal mills. That would help the railroads more then a passenger service.
TIM A

[CG9602]

If Amtrak got enough money to invest in some capitol investments ( like a steady source of $$$ for refurbished train cars, for example), and if the DOT or Congress, allowed for some sort of RR trust fund, then Amtrak might get something going. As it is, when the US spends, via trust fund, more in one year than Amtrak has been allowed over 32 years - what do you expect? If the passenger train is to survive as a viable option in the ground transport marketplace, one has to spend money in order to make money. Amtrak has never been given the money to spend.

[CG9602]

If Amtrak got enough money to invest in some capitol investments ( like a steady source of $$$ for refurbished train cars, for example), and if the DOT or Congress, allowed for some sort of RR trust fund, then Amtrak might get something going. As it is, when the US spends, via trust fund, more in one year than Amtrak has been allowed over 32 years - what do you expect? If the passenger train is to survive as a viable option in the ground transport marketplace, one has to spend money in order to make money. Amtrak has never been given the money to spend.

[brilondon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICEtrain

Passenger trains need to lower their prices! That's what I think.
From Ottawa to Toronto on VIA Rail (train) for 1 adult is $103 (rounded)
From Ottawa to Toronto on JetsGo (airline) for 1 adult is $99

Ottawa-Toronto return is $205 (rounded) VIA Rail
Ottawa-Toronto return is $198 on JetsGo

Seeing that JetsGo gets you there a few hours faster people would obviously choose JetsGo.

So, if VIA Rail wants more business, they better reduce those prices soon!

Is that with or with out tax ?

[brilondon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICEtrain

Passenger trains need to lower their prices! That's what I think.
From Ottawa to Toronto on VIA Rail (train) for 1 adult is $103 (rounded)
From Ottawa to Toronto on JetsGo (airline) for 1 adult is $99

Ottawa-Toronto return is $205 (rounded) VIA Rail
Ottawa-Toronto return is $198 on JetsGo

Seeing that JetsGo gets you there a few hours faster people would obviously choose JetsGo.

So, if VIA Rail wants more business, they better reduce those prices soon!

Is that with or with out tax ?

[Anonymous]

With

[Anonymous]

With

[brilondon]

The great thing about the train is that you can end up in a relativly short distance form where you actually want to be, unlike airplanes where you have to go to an airport which cost $$$$ to take a taxi. Then you have to go through security which is a joke unto its self. You if you want to takea cheap flight you have to make sure your choice falls under their rules like you know ticket must be purchased 48 hours in advance while standing on your head making barking sounds like a seal. Train travel is a much more relaxing experience then the airplane.

[brilondon]

The great thing about the train is that you can end up in a relativly short distance form where you actually want to be, unlike airplanes where you have to go to an airport which cost $$$$ to take a taxi. Then you have to go through security which is a joke unto its self. You if you want to takea cheap flight you have to make sure your choice falls under their rules like you know ticket must be purchased 48 hours in advance while standing on your head making barking sounds like a seal. Train travel is a much more relaxing experience then the airplane.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICEtrain

With

Hi Will [:D]

You know some people just don't "get it". Being able to kick back and watch the scenery go by is very enjoyable. STANDING IN LINE FOR HOURS AT THE AIRPORT IS NOT [:(!] IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE DISSERVICE TO MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMOVE PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE. MANY OF THEM WILL NOT FLY. A CHOICE IS BETTER THAN NO CHOICE.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ICEtrain

With

Hi Will [:D]

You know some people just don't "get it". Being able to kick back and watch the scenery go by is very enjoyable. STANDING IN LINE FOR HOURS AT THE AIRPORT IS NOT [:(!] IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE DISSERVICE TO MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMOVE PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE. MANY OF THEM WILL NOT FLY. A CHOICE IS BETTER THAN NO CHOICE.

[Anonymous]

I like trains, don't get me wrong. I love passenger trains, too.

I just think it's unreasonable that they charge the same, or slightly more, than airlines!

[Anonymous]

I like trains, don't get me wrong. I love passenger trains, too.

I just think it's unreasonable that they charge the same, or slightly more, than airlines!

[brilondon]

I know that the airplane has its marits; it's faster and these days seem to be closer in price to the airplane these days with the likes of Southwest, Jetblue, Westjet and the like. If you want to travel across the country in a timely fashion you would obviously take a plane for convience sake. If you want to go from Boston to New York though, the choice should be clear. THE TRAIN. Many less hassels; no rude or non-english speaking taxi drivers who charge outrageous fares; no security like the airport (although going through Penn Station is a bit like going through the airport); right downtown to downtown service. Try going to New York on an airplane. The closest you could get is La Guardia. That airport is old and congested. Kennedy just sucks. Liberty is out in the middle of a swamp. Try to get to Manhatten during a week-day from any of these airports and it is enough to drive you insane. I realize that the train may not always be the smartest way or the most convienient way to (i.e. time of departure) travel but it still is my favourite. But I assume that I am talking with the converted and not any airplane advocates.

[brilondon]

I know that the airplane has its marits; it's faster and these days seem to be closer in price to the airplane these days with the likes of Southwest, Jetblue, Westjet and the like. If you want to travel across the country in a timely fashion you would obviously take a plane for convience sake. If you want to go from Boston to New York though, the choice should be clear. THE TRAIN. Many less hassels; no rude or non-english speaking taxi drivers who charge outrageous fares; no security like the airport (although going through Penn Station is a bit like going through the airport); right downtown to downtown service. Try going to New York on an airplane. The closest you could get is La Guardia. That airport is old and congested. Kennedy just sucks. Liberty is out in the middle of a swamp. Try to get to Manhatten during a week-day from any of these airports and it is enough to drive you insane. I realize that the train may not always be the smartest way or the most convienient way to (i.e. time of departure) travel but it still is my favourite. But I assume that I am talking with the converted and not any airplane advocates.

[Anonymous]

I have traveled by train on Amtrac 4 times last year. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!! From now on I fly, I drive or I walk, BUT NEVER AGAIN ON AMTRAC. I am a railfan but not a Amtrac fan. The problems I seen on Amtrac were not funding related problems.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

I have traveled by train on Amtrac 4 times last year. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!! From now on I fly, I drive or I walk, BUT NEVER AGAIN ON AMTRAC. I am a railfan but not a Amtrac fan. The problems I seen on Amtrac were not funding related problems.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Someone tell me what Amtrac is. I have never seen or heard of it. I have however, ridden Amtrak. It was a pleasant ride, relaxing, nice scenery, friendly crew, definately NOT your crowded airplane, with long lines, rude screeners, body searches, seats that wouldn't fit a skinny teen, and noisey cabin. And one of many nicer things about a train over an airplane is -- you actually have a choice when it comes to food. Now try to get some real food on an airplane! Oh yeah, some people think peanuts are real food.

[Anonymous]

Someone tell me what Amtrac is. I have never seen or heard of it. I have however, ridden Amtrak. It was a pleasant ride, relaxing, nice scenery, friendly crew, definately NOT your crowded airplane, with long lines, rude screeners, body searches, seats that wouldn't fit a skinny teen, and noisey cabin. And one of many nicer things about a train over an airplane is -- you actually have a choice when it comes to food. Now try to get some real food on an airplane! Oh yeah, some people think peanuts are real food.