Riks other Amtrak Trip

Last week one our trip East ( see previous blog ) we had a bit of trouble with our Amtrak train.  We have to tell the truth here, Amtrak has come forward and made things a little better.  Yesterday  (12/21) they called and offered a $150 voucher if we ever ride with them again.  We probably would have anyway since we like train travel, but I thought that was a very nice gesture on their part to give that kind of deal to us.  We found out later, that they knew in advance of our trip from Chicago to Washington D.C., that trouble lay ahead.  That confounded tunnel between Pittsburgh and D.C. was a known trouble spot that resulted in a bus ride for almost 200 rail passengers.  They should have been upfront with the travelers, but with their $150 it helped sweeten the sour taste left over taste.

            Every so often, we hear of this President or that, talk about propping up the United Statespassenger rail system in.  I, for one, cannot fathom the amount of millions it would take to make it a viable system of travel.  And this is from someone who likes train travel.  Without any question, I would LOVE to see the high speed rail service from the Twin Ports to the Metro area to our south.  For tourism and regular travel, I love the plans already in place and partially okay'ed by several divisions of government.  With gas prices going who knows where, someday rail travel may be more than an option...it'll be like England, Japan and Europe.  The only option. 

            Tracks are jumpy and rocky.  The seats and compartments are dated and the travel schedules are pure fiction.  The East coast is about the only portion of the USA system that makes a dime, and that is thanks to the commuter daily service. The Mega city from Maryland to Boston is one big freeway mess and they use trains daily. 

            While I’d love to see a return of passenger service, I don’t think this country is ever going to be in a position to make it possible. By possible, I think of the Europe or Japan systems.  I’ve ridden on the Japanese system and you can set your watch to their timetable without breaking your wallet.

            If you are thinking of Amtrak travel, do it.  Take that trip from The Twin Cities to Seattle.   The vista and service is top shelf.  Pretty good food too.  Just keep an open mind on those trips from Chicago Eastward.  It’s not yet top shelf.  But someday, though perhaps not in my lifetime, it will be.  At a cost of many millions.