The big changes seemed to be in the state-support and short-distance corridors, where new riders seemed to discover Amtrak — boosting numbers to a two-year high. The Keystone Service, which runs from Harrisburg, Penn. to New York, rose 2 percent from last year (but jumped 87 percent from fiscal year 2008 to 2010); the Lincoln Service which runs from Chicago to St. Louis, rose about 8 percent; and the Washington-Newport News rose 7 percent. Long distance routes Palmetto, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Sunset Limited and Coast Starlight all posted two-year gains.
While it’s obvious that many routes service rural or remote areas where commercial airliners don’t fly, several of the destinations are populated areas where passengers had a choice of travel. So why Amtrak?
Several travelers said they chose the train to lower stress during the holidays. They didn’t want to drive and didn’t want to deal with packed and chaotic airports.
I used Amtrak to travel three hours to my parents and in-laws instead of flying or driving because it was reasonably priced (a little over $100 for myself and my husband) and I could buy the ticket only a few days before I had to travel (Christmas Day.) I was told as I was buying my tickets on Dec. 21 that Dec. 24 had already sold out. My belief is that Amtrak passengers may also have been the last-minute travelers who saw last-minute airline prices and declined to pay them. Travel at that time was also dicey because of Northeastern weather, so that may also have added to the uncertainty and last-minute planning.
As for stress, I certainly felt less than I would have in a car because I could walk around or head to the bathroom without worrying I was lengthening my journey. And compared to airports, train stations are quiet, orderly places — but maybe that’s because I’m used to San Francisco International.
I commuted on Amtrak for about 4 or 5 months and I thought it was great. I could use my cell as a modem, brought my own beer and food on, paid a whole $10 more for “business class” where I was guaranteed a seat.
That works for short hops (2 to 3 hours). Longer trips still need planes.
I have to admit Willie, you are consistent. I’m pretty sure this WiFi thingy will not change peoples transportation choices. My bet is if TSA does more onerous and impotent airline screening train traffic may increase. On the other hand, if panty bombers decide to switch to softer targets (i.e., trains) then I would imagine we are back to square one again. Never understood your commitment to rail passenger traffic. Keep your Groove On.
I love riding on trains. I just wished AMTRAK could have their own rails. The last trip I took coming back from Calif. to Washington State was shortened at Klamath Falls, Oregon. AmTrak then put us on a bus to come to Pasco,Wa. The problem was Antrak had to keep pulling off to the side to let the freight trains go by. Because of this we would’t have been able to catch the train in Portland, Or. to get to Pasco.
You can get it on some Greyhound buses too. It still takes forever to get to my East Coast meetings.