trains in america

the plan was to drive to new york this past weekend. instead, my car broke down before i even got out of town (new alternator needed), and my girlfriend and i took amtrak instead. more specifically, we took the express train from union station in DC to penn station in NYC. i've made the trip to and from our nation's capital to the big apple many, many times over the past 3-4 years, and i'd taken this train a few times before. but for the most part, i've usually either taken the bus, rented a car, or flown.

the ONLY downside to this train trip was the expense - $150/person for a one-way ticket. given the fact that my car had broken down, there was no alternative unless we cancelled the weekend trip, which was not an option.

but i'm almost glad my car broke down because i was reminded once again of how much i love trains. even in the united states of america. yes, by and large, american trains are second-rate, and it's sad. it's such a shame how much better the trains are in western europe, japan, and other parts of the world, especially since we had the best trains in the world at the beginning of the 20th century. i understand the economics (amtrak, despite significant government subsidies, just is not profitable because of low public demand) and demographics (americans usually need a car whenever they arrive at their destination because we do not have great public transportation in most cities and our cities are very spread out).

the express train between new york and DC is an exception to the rule. this route is fast - instead of the trip taking around 5 hours, as it would by car, or 4 hours, as it would taking the non-express train, the trip took 2 hours and 45 minutes. the snack car is very good and serves beer and wine, and the prices are reasonable. beers were $4, which is reasonable for places like new york and DC. the seats are large and comfortable, and there are even plugs underneath each seat so that you can charge your computer, ipod, or cell phone.

in terms of travelling between 2 large cities, the train is soooooooo much more convenient, less stressful, and more relaxing than the bus, car, or plane. if only more americans felt the same way so that the prices could come down, and it would make more sense to travel between smaller cities.

the downfall of trains in this country is truly regrettable.