See America…by Rail…But wait…this is an air travel site….Elsewhere in the world…rail is a much more popular service…it is faster, more efficient…Unfortunately, it is an often overlooked part of the US transportation system and there is not enough attention put into it to make it the service it should be.
As the Grand Rapids Press commented:
The nation’s rail infrastructure is in need of an overhaul. With gas prices that make a fill-up feel like a tooth extraction, this is the perfect time to look to public transit. Amtrak is a crucial piece of the nation’s energy-saving puzzle.
They are making efforts…but infrastructure overhauls, increase intermodal options, and other improvements require increased legislation and funding to get off the ground. Why should America have a substandard rail network when we once had an extensive one?
So…give it a shot sometime, for a different travel experience…If you aren’t ready to give it a shot without more details…Amtrak has on their website a Superliner Sleeping Car Tour….The Virtual Tour is available here, although they note that not all trains carry the equipment shown.
The railroad has also teamed up with Grandluxe Rail Journeys to attach seven special Grandluxe cars to regularly scheduled Amtrak trains. These trains, equipped with mahogany interiors, five-course meals, and personal butler service. The new service, dubbed GrandLuxe Limited, will be available between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay area; Chicago and Los Angeles; and Washington and Miami. Limited trips are also scheduled between Washington and Chicago; from Denver to San Francisco; from Denver to Chicago; and from Chicago to Albuquerque. The partnership will expand if it is successful.
We took a coach seat several years ago on a 20 hour trip from New York to Chicago and back…and it remains an experience we’d repeat….seeing the country….and it was on sale for $66 roundtrip. We have thought about planning another overnight trip…this time with a sleeper car. If only we had the time right now to try this new Grandluxe service…