What’s old is new again: Ride the Rail

Written July 24th, 2008

Gas has settled above $4 a gallon. Airlines are going broke while charging you for air conditioning. What’s old is new again.

Just a few short years ago, AMTRAK depended almost entirely on government subsidies to remain operational. In October, the Texas Eagle connection from DFW to Chicago was mostly empty. Passengers were mostly retirees or hobbyists who rode the train simply because they enjoyed riding the train.

As I type this, I am aboard the Texas Eagle leaving Chicago for the 22 hour journey to Dallas, Texas. The train is booked and as we talk with other passengers the reason they are here is quite simple: the economics of travel.

Personally, we took the train partially due to the economics of it and also because my boys have never ridden on the train. The trip has been unique, nostalgic and memorable for the kids.

In a way, it is great to see the trains full of passengers. It is sad that it is driven by economics, but trains have always been driven by economics in this country.

If you’ve never ridden a “real” train, go to AmTrak.com and see where you can go. Disney’s Monorail doesn’t count. Get out and see America.