What I learned from taking a train across the US

The Nugget

The decline of train travel in the United States can be attributed to a combination of historical factors, including the shift in priorities towards automobiles and air travel, lack of funding and support for rail systems, and the challenging regulations imposed on train companies. Despite these obstacles, there is still potential for revitalizing train travel in the US.

Key quotes

"The bad news is my train didn't have ducks that were fed anything."
"Trains are also much safer than cars. You're 17 times more likely to die while driving than taking a train."
"Trains are also much safer than cars. You're 17 times more likely to die while driving than taking a train."
"It was a really pleasant, memorable experience."
"When he was retiring former Amtrak President Graham Claytor said, 'When I came to Amtrak, I was convinced I could save it, but finally came to the conclusion that only the American public can save it when they say they want it.'"

In 1916, the US had a vast railway network of approximately 254,000 miles, with luxurious train cars featuring amenities like chandeliers, barber shops, and fine dining.
The success of the railways was initially fueled by ruthless "robber barons" but eventually led to widespread public dislike and government regulations due to their corrupt practices.
The introduction of automobiles and air travel in the mid-20th century caused a significant decline in train travel, with only 4% of passenger travel in 1956 being on trains compared to 98% years earlier.

Amtrak was established in 1971 to centralize passenger train services and allow private rail companies to focus on profitable freight operations.
However, Amtrak was set up to fail from the start as a for-profit corporation, despite the historical lack of profitability in passenger train services.

Amtrak, despite being underfunded and facing challenges, offers a unique and more leisurely travel experience compared to flying or driving.
Improving funding and support for Amtrak could lead to a revitalization of train travel in the US, offering a more environmentally friendly and comfortable alternative for long-distance travel.

🚂 Trains: a safer and more enjoyable mode of transport compared to driving or flying.
🛤️ Amtrak's challenges highlight the need for increased support and funding to enhance train travel in the US.
🇺🇸 Revitalizing train travel could positively impact environmentally conscious travelers and those seeking a more leisurely travel experience.

This summary contains AI-generated information and may be misleading or incorrect.