I’ve got a trip from Tampa to Northern VA coming up that I’m driving. Using the highest (business) IRS mileage rate of $0.55/mi to estimate cost of gas and wear and tear I’m looking at $990 round trip for a 15.5 hour (each way) drive.
Let’s check out the train:
17.5 hours, plus boarding and unloading time (not including three hours getting to and from stations). $428 round trip if you sit in a coach seat, cheapest private room is an additional $663. “Starting at” (their website isn’t working to get any further to see how much it would really be) $400 round trip for hauling the truck. Leaves at 3pm each way. No dogs allowed.
I guess if I REALLY hated driving enough to make the trip several hours longer each way, wasn’t taking the dogs, and was pretty flexible in my schedule it MIGHT make sense (assuming I really needed MY truck when I got to VA, otherwise flying and renting would be the obvious option). And this route, the only one in the area, is not that far off my intended route. I suspect this route is NOT successful at all and is highly subsidized.
Which is kind of too bad, because it sure seems like a cool idea (though not nearly as cool as the Key West Express).
Actually it’s one of the most profitable lines Amtrak has. I work in transportation and I know a few people who have worked it before. It’s basically mostly old snowbirds who have the money to pay for the best amenities. Hell it’s the only train left with a smoking car and it’s own crew base.