Railroad freight service is now a booming market, thanks largely to the enormous price increases for diesel fuel. However, the steeply rising prices of aviation fuel coupled with the draconian treatment of air travel passengers has not produced a corresponding hike in rail passenger business anywhere but on already existing lines.
Will we see a return to rail passenger service in American? If so, when?
We did a little research last night to see if we could visit my parents in Yreka, California by train and if so, how much it would cost. The journey by car is roughly 1100 miles, and figuring a conservative 20 miles per gallon, the round trip would cost 2200/20=110x$4gal= $440 in fuel, and would take two full days of driving. We alternate driving and sleeping, so the trip takes us about 20 hours and usually costs about $100 for food and coffee. Add a few bucks for forgotten incidentals and call it $600 for the round trip.
Amtrak: Nearest station is Denver, Colorado, about 100 miles away.
Cost: $400 per person, chair seating only. ( double that for sleeping compartment.)
No dining car - all food must be purchased from vending machines on board. Tough on a diabetic like myself.
Destination: Sacremento or Redding. Sacremento is 300 miles from Yreka, Redding a little less, but the final distance will still have to be driven in a rental vehicle.
Rail Travel time: 30 hours.
Incidental problems: Personal vehicle will have to be 0placed in secured parking in Denver while gone.
Estimated total cost of rail, auto, meals, and secured parking for same trip: about $1200 dollars for the same round trip, and a lot more hassle and incionvenience.
I think American railroads are staring a potential bonanza in the face, but I wonder when they will get around to recognizing it and doing something about it.
Will we see a return to rail passenger service in American? If so, when?
We did a little research last night to see if we could visit my parents in Yreka, California by train and if so, how much it would cost. The journey by car is roughly 1100 miles, and figuring a conservative 20 miles per gallon, the round trip would cost 2200/20=110x$4gal= $440 in fuel, and would take two full days of driving. We alternate driving and sleeping, so the trip takes us about 20 hours and usually costs about $100 for food and coffee. Add a few bucks for forgotten incidentals and call it $600 for the round trip.
Amtrak: Nearest station is Denver, Colorado, about 100 miles away.
Cost: $400 per person, chair seating only. ( double that for sleeping compartment.)
No dining car - all food must be purchased from vending machines on board. Tough on a diabetic like myself.
Destination: Sacremento or Redding. Sacremento is 300 miles from Yreka, Redding a little less, but the final distance will still have to be driven in a rental vehicle.
Rail Travel time: 30 hours.
Incidental problems: Personal vehicle will have to be 0placed in secured parking in Denver while gone.
Estimated total cost of rail, auto, meals, and secured parking for same trip: about $1200 dollars for the same round trip, and a lot more hassle and incionvenience.
I think American railroads are staring a potential bonanza in the face, but I wonder when they will get around to recognizing it and doing something about it.