air travel down, train travel up
Airports in the USA are hurting. The main reason is decreased number of passengers.
In contrast, Amtrak has had six consecutive years of ridership gains. (Even I took the American train last year, my first trip with them.)
Many are complaining about a $2 billion expansion of the airport in Las Vegas despite decreasing arrivals.
It’s safe to say that air travel experience will be getting worse in the States. But perhaps train travel will improve. Let’s build new high speed rail lines!
Empire Builder crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, Montana
larger version – flickr – SJB4photos-away
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We just returned from Europe where train travel was a pleasure compared to the hassle of air travel. Its unfortunate that the distances are so great here otherwise I would happily take the train.
Bill Wallace
October 18, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I agree with Bill, I loved taking the train in Europe – imagine going to Paris for lunch from Brussels!
Japan was also great, the shinkansen was shockingly fast and so much more hassle free than air travel. Rick, I elect you to begin lobbying for high speed trains in North America!
Dana
October 18, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Trains are great if someone else pays for them. Feel free to invest.
Peter
October 19, 2008 at 12:06 pm