Planes, Trains or Buses? AmTrak anyone?

[usmc1]

The last time I went to D.C. I got caught up in one the weather cancellation airline dead holes. Thankfully my masters saw fit to put me up for the night at a place in Silver Springs so that I could standby out of Baltimore the next morning. But, it was some serious B.S. and without a little help from my "friends", I wouldn't have gotten out for another day.

So, I'm thinking about taking AMTRAK. It will add a couple of days, but, I can read, and break out my lap top and do some writing.

My question, has anyone done AmTrak lately?, how was your experience? Are the seats roomy and walking around ok, or shoul I get a roomette?

[walter05]

USMC1;

I did three years ago. I took my family to New York and we took AmTrak. I was afraid that the Republicans would kill it and since my oldest son is a big Thomas The Tank Engine fan, I expected them to enjoy it.

Due to trak maintenance issues, the train left Savannah four hours late. Then due to congestion with freight trains on lines, there were more delays.

It was hard to sleep because of the stops through the night.

The coach was not particularly clean either.

Unless you are attempting to atone for some misdeads, I would avoid Amtrak.

[xgsft]

That is too bad.

I had consitered taking Amtrak as just a fun cross country trip as well and had heard similar accounts to walter had described.

Well, there is a reason why it is nicknamed Amtrash,Amwreak, etc.

*FYI, it is fun to model though! I love my 1970's era Amtrak E9's!*

[Al Bundy]

My last experience with Amtrak was sitting in a station with wooden benches for 9 hours due to the train being re-routed supposedly because of floods in the south. A bus would have been faster.

[newton]

I think that the answer to the Amtrak quality question depends on the route. Generally, between Washington and Boston the quality and cleanliness is pretty good. With Acela service, it is usually very good, although you pay extra for that.

My experience with overnight trains is not as good and much of that depends on the actions of the passengers. There is only so much that the crew can do between stops at major stations where cleaning and restocking take place.

Amtrak can have weather delays and other complications, particularly in areas where they are not responsible for the tracks.

I suspect that a cross country trip might be a challenge.

I suspect that a cross country bus trip might be more of a challenge.

[walter05]

USMC1;

Lately, I have wanted to avoid wear and tear on my car. I have found that even Hertz has some good deals on rental cars. I put my own GPS in it, it is easy to find great routes.

If there is any trouble with the car, and it is from a national firm, it is easy to go to the nearest place and swap them out.

For instance, you could visit the Jefferson Pools in Virginia on the way if you want or a nudist resort.

I would just make sure to avoid any mileage costs that would add up.

[Bobx23456]

Amtrack here only runs at 2:30 AM to 3:30 AM The depot isn't even open till midnight. Once you get on the train at 2:30 AM, you are lucky to be able to arrive in twice the time it takes to drive. And 2:30 AM is not the time of day I want to go anywhere.

I rode trains in France and thoroughly enjoyed them. They were fast, convenient, and efficient. I don't know why the difference between there and there, but I suspect that it has something to do with government corruption in the 1940s and 1950s.

Blessings
Bob

[newton]

Are you talking about government corruption in the U.S. or in France? I am not clear how that explains better train service.

[Edmontonnudist]

Why not charter a whole Locomotive with passenger cars and have a 'Coast to Coast'nude run!

L.A to New York or Victoria to Halifax!

[MJ_KC]

All that I ever see on the tracks around here is freight and coal cars.

On Monday, I was coming home from a trip to the hospital and to my surprise there was a passenger train about 10 cars long headed north along the track that parallels I-35. These were some spectacular looking stainless steel cars. I would like to see a lot more of this in the area in the future.

I have ridden the trains in Japan and quite frankly I liked them a great deal. Very convenient and their timing was right on schedule.

The best ride was a 3 hour ride each way on the Bullet Train at about 135 mph. I saw the other day that they have a new Bullet Train that was just introduced. It goes even faster and leans through the turns so it just barely slows down.

[xgsft]

Originally posted by Edmontonnudist:
Why not charter a whole Locomotive with passenger cars and have a 'Coast to Coast'nude run!

L.A to New York or Victoria to Halifax!

I would pay to do this!

[missouriboy]

On Monday, I was coming home from a trip to the hospital and to my surprise there was a passenger train about 10 cars long headed north along the track that parallels I-35. These were some spectacular looking stainless steel cars. I would like to see a lot more of this in the area in the future. Those cars being antiques now, that was obviously a one-time "fan trip." Sometimes they are pulled by a steam locomotive, too, but that's getting more and more rare every year.

[Pete Knight]

My Amtrak experience was in 1991, things will have probably changed by now!

I found the west coast trains to be more comfortable and roomy, they are double deck after all, the tracks seemed to be better maintained, fewer bumps and rolls, and an inspiring journey through the mountains.

The transfer to the east coast trains in Chicago was a retrograde step, the coaches were smaller, cramped and the condition of the tracks resulted in some pretty bumpy rides, added to which the traffic was busier and there were more frequent stops as the towns and cities were closer together.

In all it was a pleasurable experience, we saw more of the 17 states we passed through as a result, something we would have missed out on had we flown.

My Journey;
Los Angeles - San Francisco (Stopover)
San Francisco - Sacramento (Couple trains)
Sacramento - Denver (De-couple trains)
Denver -Chicago (Shower and change trains)
Chicago - Cincinnati (Stopover with aunt)
Cincinnati - Washington (Rest stop)
Washington - New York (Stopover prior to being deported)

A great journey as a tourist, but a nightmare if you just want to get from A to B, but things may have improved, but I'd repeat the journey given the chance.

Pete Knight



P.S I was joking about being deported.

[xgsft]

Originally posted by missouriboy:
Those cars being antiques now, that was obviously a one-time "fan trip." Sometimes they are pulled by a steam locomotive, too, but that's getting more and more rare every year.

You can thank our overlords at the insurence companies for that!

[Kohana_Kioni]

I had a great experience on the 28 Empire Builder from Whitefish, Mt - Chicago -Union Station, Il.

I was able to move up to the sight seeing car as not many were using that area... it helped to pass the time and actually was pretty relaxing.

Just wish we could do it naked http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

[NakedTao]

Love using Amtrak. I feel it's safer, cheaper, and more convenient than plane travel. Last November I went from KC to St. Louis via the Missouri Mules and from St. Louis to Longview, Texas via the Texas Eagle (overnight) and bus service from Longview to Houston (which Amtrak provides for cities without direct train access) - and back the same way. Sure it takes a while, but you get to see more of this great country of ours.

[usmc1]

N.T. did you go coach or upgrade to the roomette?

My trip would originate in TX, and go through St, Louis to Chicago, then on over to D.C.

Two nights in coach seems brutal, but they charge for the roomette each leg of the trip, so I'd have four roomette charges or have to lay back in the reclining seat--and at 6'1" 195lbs, that sounds yaaarggh. And the roomette cost X 4 is damned expensive.

[Boreas]

I have never taken Amtrak, though I have travelled by train (Via Rail) across Canada. I did the western leg twenty plus years ago while I was a student. I travelled coach and it was interesting. The train staff made sure those of us who were going the longest distance had two seats so we could lie down. I took the eastern leg of the trip a couple of years later and had a berth. That is where they bring the "Bunkbed" like contraption down from the side of the train, somewhat like a murphy bed. It was much more comfortable. I had gotten a roomette from Ottawa to Toronto one trip and it was like a sauna.

Seeing the country by train is highly recommended. Now Canada has some cross country trains aimed for tourists. This is a bloody big country, so you do need to set aside some time, but it is worth it!

I hope that trains can be rejuevenated. We need to get some of the cars and tractor trailers off the roads.

[David77]

I have not taken the train in USA in many years, as flying is much faster, and if you get your plane ticket (a "non-paper" ticket preferably) by one of the internet sourses that finds you reasonable deals, the cost is possibly "half" the price of the (paper) ticket not purchased on one of these internet sources.
Then when I get to my destination, I rent a car from Enterprise - such as to go from the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport to Ocean Palms Motel on Haulover Beach.

Many years ago I rode trains, amd when I rented a roomette, I felt isolated (like in an isolation chamber?), unless I went to the club or observation car or dining car.

The Mexican train I rode from Nuevo Loredo on the Texas/Mexican boarder to Mexico City was very clean and comfortable, and I met an interesting woman from Spain who was visiting Mexico.

This train had births that the porter pulled down at night. I had an upper birth. The mattress, instead of being filled with cotton, was filled with straw, but it was quite comfortable.

The ultimate, however, was three years ago when I rode the trail from London to Paris which passed thru the tunnel under the channel and was very fast, clean and comfortable.

I understand that there are some people in either of these two cities who go to the other's city in the morning and shop, and then return to their home city that night by this train.

[usmc1]

Thanks to all who responded. I've decided to rent and drive and leave the train excursion for a shorter hop in the future.

The problem was the train really takes an indirect route. From Texas to Chicago then to PA then to DC. I could have done that just for the hell of it--but if I wanted a sleeper, they charge quite a bit extra for each leg of the trip..Texas to Chicago, Chicago to DC times two equaled four separate add-on charges which added close to a grand to the fare.

Absurd. No wonder they struggle.

Plus, I got really mixed reviews and will take some short one-day trips to learn the ropes, in-and-outs, and shortcuts.

So, I got a car. Total rent about $280 -unlimited miles--for 8 days, with a 20% discount from an organization I belong to another $20 off the weekly rental, and the sweet little 20-something let me charm her into an upgrade to a Crown Vic.

So, I'll take a two and a half day drive from here to there cutting through the Magnolia Curtain into LA, then through Miss (where I bled in the 60s) then Bama, GA, up the Carolinas and Smokey mtns, into VA and then the mother ship in DC.

Then come back through W VA & PA and KY to touch base with some politcos, then down into MO and Ark border area to look at some property.

Damn, a road trip! Been needing one.

[nudebushwalker]

Are you talking about government corruption in the U.S. or in France? I am not clear how that explains better train service.
- Newton.

I don't know if you can call this corruption so much as plain old neglect on your Federal government's part, whereas in those places where the railway systems run a lot more effectively - France and much of western Europe, Russia, Japan for example, (and even within some US states, when it's only the local routes you look at..) - there is more government control and regulation over the rail systems. In many of those places the governments still own the railway system, even where the railways have been corporatised.
Just the antithesis of that minority on here who always push for less government and more freedom for corporations..

[luvnaturism]

USMC1, if you—-like many of us with military experience--get your insurance from USAA, you can get a 25% discount from Hertz plus an additional benefit such as a free upgrade, money off on a weekly rental, etc.

You are also entitled to a free gold card membership from Hertz, which is a great service. Typically I just walk up to the Hertz stand, locate my car on the board, get in and drive away. I also find that additional upgrades are fairly common for gold card holders.

[usuallylurk]

Originally posted by nudebushwalker:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you talking about government corruption in the U.S. or in France? I am not clear how that explains better train service.
- Newton.

I don't know if you can call this corruption so much as plain old neglect on your Federal government's part, whereas in those places where the railway systems run a lot more effectively - France and much of western Europe, Russia, Japan for example, (and even within some US states, when it's only the local routes you look at..) - there is more government control and regulation over the rail systems. In many of those places the governments still own the railway system, even where the railways have been corporatised.
Just the antithesis of that minority on here who always push for less government and more freedom for corporations.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The United States went toward automotive/truck transportation and air transportation for a variety of reasons, but needless to say, it evolved.

Major cities in the United States are some distance from each other. When jet travel became a reality, it was more cost-efficient and quicker to fly than to ride the train.

Railroads are expensive to maintain. So are roads, but we had to build a highway system ANYWAY -- because the automobile was the way this country went. In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States was energy-independent for the most part, and nearly all automobiles used here were manufactured within the U.S.A.

The decision to construct an interstate highway system AND to allow private industry to build an air transportation fleet made economic sense.

Rail travel here is slow, inefficient, expensive, and heavily subsidized by the government. Roads and airports are subsidized, as well, but people and industry prefer to use those, or do so out of necessity.

A three hour plane ride versus a 30 hour train ride at higher cost -- that's a no-brainer. The only ones who would make a trip via train like that are those who have time on their hands and want the novelty of it, or they're too scared to fly.

Example - my wife and I are planning a trip to Florida.

Do I take the train? Let me see - we get on the train in Boston in the morning and arrive in Orlando the next afternoon. And the round trip cost for both of us is well over $1000, if we have a berth. I still have to rent a car when I get there...

Do I take a plane? Well, that will cost us $500-600. I will get on the plane in Boston at 7 am and get to Orlando at around noon or 1 pm. I may have a plane change, etc. BUT I will be there pretty much hassle free in six to seven hours and at lower cost (with the competitive nature of airlines, which are private commercial industries here).


Do I drive? That's going to be 22 hours of driving in each direction. If gasoline runs around $2.75 a gallon - that's going to cost me around $240 in gas, another $30 or so in road tolls, two nights in a motel, another $180. Plus putting 2500 miles wear and tear on the vehicle and an exhausting drive for us.

We'll fly and rent a car.

[usuallylurk]

Originally posted by nudebushwalker:
[QUOTE]Are you talking about government corruption in the U.S. or in France? I am not clear how that explains better train service.

Update- for our Florida trip in November. Flights from Boston to Tampa and return for two, $408 total. Car rental for ten days =
268. Because I live in the suburbs, R/T to airport for two is $50.

For arguments' sale let's call that $725.

Driving to Florida = 2700 miles R/T , 30 mpg in the car, 90 gallons at $2.90 - around $260, two nights in a motel each way #180, tolls $35 ... four days in the car, and wear and tear on car and driver...

Train - $550 for two. Car rental in Florida another $268. 24 hours or more travel time each direction. Coach seats (sleeper units cost much more) - more expensive than flying and more arduous.

[usmc1]

Well, here's a brief trip report. Eight day car rental of a Crown Vic LTS = $263. Gasoline, food, lodging = $360. Total cost = $623.00.

Advantages: The Smokies, the Blue Ridge, the Shenandoah, the Cumberland, the Alleghenies, Western Maryland with its Deer AND BEAR crossing caution signs. The marvelous, friendly people of Kentucky. Seeing those lush, beautiful horse breeding ranches in the Blue Grass country. Driving past the distilleries which the money of my youth helped build. Driving over Antietam creek where two of my great-grandfathers from opposite sides met on the battlefield.

A pulled pork sandwich with slaw from Corky's in Memphis. Not having to fight for elbow room with another passenger, not having to put up with the dehumanizing BS of today's air travel. Being able to stop at my will, move around at my will, choose what sounds I would hear.

Disadvantages: 2700 miles round trip in a car really requires two. It is a long hard slog for one person dodging trucks in the mountains and driving 13 to 14 hours a day. Definitely needed a co-pilot. Caught some miserable weather in West Memphis on Friday that jammed traffic up for an hour of so, and that really did not get entirely sorted out until damn near Little Rock.

Not taking into consideration Bama's game in Tuscaloosa a week ago Saturday where I planned my first night's stop, and had to push on to Birmingham to find a room.

The absolute worst and most homicidally aggressive drivers in TN.

Seeing first hand how over-population driven housing and business developments are blighting some of our most beautiful heritage along with the sameness of chain franchise eateries along the way.

But, hell yeah, what a way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of On The Road. I needed that beatific angel Neal Cassidy at my side...

[John Spooner]

It seems that American passenger trains are like our trains generally here in South Oz.
Here they spend more time stationary on crossing loops than actually travelling.
Regards.
John S.

[bikerboy]

I am planning a trip to FL next year. I do believe the best way to go is by car (rental) as it is not your car for one, you can stop to smell the roses if wanted, and see different things. You are on your own time card that way. If the car breaks down you swap it out, and they are not all that expensive. Just my thoughts. Once you get to D.C. the only way to go is by subway or walk. Stay away from the cabs. Cost way too much. Hope you enjoy or enjoyed your trip.