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Reef3  ·  3257 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: How Washington Derailed Amtrak

The state of Amtrak is frustrating to me. My girlfriend and I are currently long distance and she relies on the San Joaquin train to come visit me. Every trip her train has to stop to let freight trains pass by and it is late probably 75% of the time.

This is why I drive instead. I can't afford to have a 4 hour trip turn into a 7 hour trip. Plus, the latest train only goes half way and then I would have to transfer to a bus. The problem is, I don't really want to drive, I would much rather take the train even if it means having to pay more than the cost of driving. I have made the trip by train a few times and, despite the delays, it is largely an enjoyable experience. I have wifi and a power outlet that let me get work done or I can relax and not have to focus on the road and traffic. The cabins are spacious and comfortable enough.

I would love to take a month and just explore the country by train. Unfortunately, I don't think Amtrak could really support that reality how I imagine it. That's just how it effects me, I think the article hits a good point on the importance of connectedness and investing in what we already have. I wish Amtrak wasn't seen as a joke and cursed to be one.