Traveling by train is a throwback to an earlier age of travel when the major railroad companies such as Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Burlington & Northern, etc. proudly ran their crack streamliners. And trains such as The City of Los Angeles, the Super Chief, and the El Capitan crisscrossed the country. That was when the railroads handled both passenger and freight. As more and more demands were put on the rail system Congress felt it would be better if a passenger-only system was created and in 1971 Amtrak, a hybrid private company, (funded by the government) was formed. The railroads stuck to freight and Amtrak focused on the passenger-hauling business. Well, it wasn’t long before it dawned on Congress that a slight misstep had taken place. The major railroad companies owned the rails. And that’s the “rub,” as they say.

How this “rail ownership” affected passenger trains is illustrated by the following example. One of the more popular routes was Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and points beyond. With the lure of gambling, girls and shows, weekend travel in particular was tremendous. Freeways were jammed, flights were sold out and the train was crowded. Then, about 15 years ago, the trains stopped. The reason was that freight traffic on that route was so heavy it could no longer handle passenger service. What should have happened with the advent of Amtrak was the creation of a huge track-laying program so Amtrak could operate independently. Well it didn’t happen then it surely won’t happen now with construction and material cost soaring.

Still A Great Way To Travel

Even with its continuing problems, travel by train in the United States can be rewarding. First of all, in this fast-paced world, it is a way to take a “time out” and relax with a good book as the countryside goes by. And you might even get to meet some interesting people as you enjoy a meal in the dining car. In recent years new equipment has been added to the Amtrak fleet including new, sleek engines and high level passenger cars. Today, you don’t climb up steps when you enter the passenger car - you simply step right in. Then you take a staircase to the upper level where the majority of seats are. The advantages are that you have a better view and the ride is more comfortable. Also, you no longer hear the “clickety-clack” sound of the train on the tracks. The railroads have employed seamless welding so the rails are one solid piece of steel ribbon.

The passenger cars are fitted out with high-backed seats, foot rests and pull down trays, similar to what you would expect flying first class. And the distance between the seats is more than adequate. The long distance trains include a dining car, snack car, sleeping cars, and an observation car. And even the short distance trains have a choice between regular coach seating (which is quite good) to a business class car which is even better. Thus it can be said that in some respects traveling by rail has never been so comfortable. And, it is generally economical.

The Question of Equipment

So far so good. Because Amtrak is short on funds you may find yourself riding in substandard passenger cars. This is especially true on shorter routes. Most people assumed that Amtrak would have simply dumped all old rail cars but apparently not. So, instead of riding on new, modern cars, you could be riding in passenger cars dating back to the 1950s. According to a conductor on the Pacific Surfliner (which pictures sleek high-level trains on brochures) you sometimes get the leftovers. “Amtrak doesn’t have the money to buy all the new cars it needs so it grabs what it can to make up the trains. It depends on the day of the week.” If you don’t want to be disappointed, it might be a good idea to call ahead to see what equipment Amtrak is running that particular day.

Which Way Are We Headed?

If you’re waiting at a train station you may be surprised to see your train “back in.” That’s right. To save money on its short runs, instead of turning an engine around, Amtrak keeps the engine at one end of the train no matter which way it’s headed. Sometimes it could be pulling the train and sometime it could be pushing. The ride is the same but there is the consideration of safety. Rail officials deny this but it is clearly demonstrated in several accidents involving Metrolink commuter trains that it is much safer for passengers if the engine is always in front. On more than one occasion passengers were killed when the Metrolink train hit something at a crossing. The impact simply smashed in the leading passenger car. That would not have happened with the engine. So, if you’re looking for the safest place on a train, pick the car nearest the engine, normally the “business class car.”

Stations And Parking

In the heyday of train travel the stations were magnificent. Even small towns boasted of their nice looking train stations. Today of course there are still a few that preserve that image, namely Grand Central Station in New York and Union Station in Los Angeles. But small towns are “dicey.” One station that comes to mind is in Beaumont, Texas. When you arrive you literally have to step over the broken glass from the station’s shattered windows. It is a disgrace. In the past the railroads owned many of the stations and they were well maintained. And cities were proud to showcase their train stations as well. Today it is not a priority so, depending on where you’re traveling, don’t get your hopes up. Parking is another issue. It is best to call ahead to see if there is adequate long-term parking. If you’re driving to the station and want to leave your car for a few days, you want to be sure that there is adequate parking. Otherwise, you’ll still be sitting in your car while the train is heading on its way. Also, check ahead to find out about parking fees. Some stations don’t charge at all and some charge the same as an airport would. If you’re gone for a week this could add up. You'd might be better served by being dropped off by a friend, or taking a cab or shuttle.

Delays

Unfortunately, delays in passenger train travel are almost unavoidable. It could be a few minutes to several hours. It mostly isn’t Amtrak’s fault although it is the victim. Again, the problem is freight traffic. With the railroads owning the tracks freight comes first. Often a passenger train pulls off to a siding while a 100-car freight train rumbles by. On a long cross-country trip a delay here and there could add up. Then there are delays that are Amtrak’s fault. For example, this first-hand report tells of a recent trip from Anaheim to Los Angeles. The passengers waiting at the station were informed that the regular Amtrak train that morning had some mechanical problems and there would be a delay of 30-minutes or so. Then, few minutes later came the announcement that the train was cancelled but that another train was coming in its place and would be at the station in 2 hours. That did not sit at all well with the passengers – enough so that Amtrak decided to send two of its Amtrak busses and take the people to Los Angeles that way. Some 45 minutes later the busses arrived and everyone boarded. Then, shockingly, the bus driver turned to the passengers sitting near him and asked, “Does anyone know the way?” The bottom line is don’t expect to be at your destination on time. Just sit back and enjoy your trip no matter how long it takes. Buy a second book to read.

Reservations and Seating Choices

As with other modes of travel you can reserve seats by phone, online, through a travel agency, or in person. Seating is mostly unreserved, meaning that you pick a seat when you board. Amtrak usually doesn’t concern itself with overbooking by a few people so it is possible (but not likely) that you wouldn’t have a seat when you get on. But don’t worry – just head for the café car and sit there. For business class you are guaranteed a seat – but not a specific one as on an airline. The only way to know exactly where you’re sitting is to reserve a bedroom in a sleeping car (only long distance trains). You might consider this even though you may not be on the train overnight. Even the small roomettes are comfortable with large seats facing each other. You have privacy if you want it and even a steward to serve you. And, meals are provided free. It costs a little more but it might be worth it. Oh, and you can be assured of being in the most modern cars Amtrak has – they don’t bring back old cars for long distance trains.

Refunds?

It is obvious to everyone, especially the federal government, that Amtrak is always broke and begging for funds. Grudgingly, Congress keeps allocating funds to keep the rail system “afloat.” But speaking of “floating,” some have complained to their legislators that Amtrak is keeping money as working capital that it should be promptly refunding to passengers who cancel tickets. Whatever the reason, be prepared to wait up to eight weeks to get your money back!

Admittedly what you’ve read so far is a little discouraging but hopefully not enough to prevent you from taking a train trip. Despite the problems it still is an adventure, especially if you’ve never been on a train before (as is the case with most people). Just take the advice given and make some preparations. More than likely you’ll have a great time. And, bring your camera.