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There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

nytimes.com

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Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#461

Post by rpiguy »

ip26 wrote: post #204
rpiguy wrote: post #180

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So long as fuel is reasonably priced, planes can take more people farther, faster it is simple economics. Trains are still preferable for local trips and even some medium range trips, but to go all the way across Europe by train would be terribly expensive compared to taking a cheap flight.

That doesn't really answer the question. What about planes is cheaper? For simple economics to apply, they have to do something cheaper than trains, and it's not obvious what that is. As far as I know, for example, trains are significantly more fuel efficient per passenger-mile.

The simple economics is in passenger volume. A plane can carry more people, to more destinations within Europe, several times a day.

Your statement that "As far as I know, for example, trains are significantly more fuel efficient per passenger-mile" definitely has some merit, but... trains are only more fuel efficient per passenger if they are as full as planes. An Airbus with 180 passengers might beat a train in per passenger miles if the train is not loaded.

Considering that, trains definitely are cheaper for highly utilized routes (commuting routes, for example), but for a leisurely trip across Europe, an Airbus packed to the gils could be cheaper.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#462

Post by nerdponx »

Spooky23 wrote: post #374
Aloha wrote: post #328

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Passenger trains do get priority in the US, your mileage may vary by railroad to how forgiving they are for schedule delays. Basically Amtrak has to keep to a specific schedule, if ut misses it's window it loses the priority it had.

If you’re on CSX track, you sit. I’ve been on trains that left precisely on schedule that were impacted this way.

Train service between Utica and Buffalo is routinely affected by this.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#463

Post by magduf »

veryworried wrote: post #80
magduf wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

An absolute fortune. I've looked into this, and it isn't economical in any way, shape, or form. Flying across the continent is MUCH cheaper, and with your number of vacation days usually being limited, gives you a lot more time at your destination. The only reason to do this is because you really want to spend your vacation time sitting in a train watching rural American scenery go by in states like Montana. It's sor…

$2k is hardly an "absolute fortune". For the typical hackernews software developer this is something like a week's worth of work for one of the most unforgettable experiences of their lives .

I can go to Europe for 2 weeks for $2k or so, all-inclusive. Spending that much money just to sit on a train and look out a window sounds like a fortune to me. Maybe for very sedentary people it's an attractive option. Even a cruise ship is a more active experience, since there's a LOT more to do on a cruise ship, and you can probably do that for less than $2k as well if you avoid all the extras.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#464

Post by MisterScrooge »

dang wrote: post #450
MisterScrooge wrote: post #448

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Good point - that's 100% my bad. I wish I could retract my comment, but I don't think there's a way; I appreciate your insight.

Since we're the only ones in the subthread, I'll just delete your comment. (Am a moderator here in case that's not clear.)

That makes sense. I knew I had seen your scree name before lol. Thank you - much appreciated.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#465

Post by elsurudo »

carapace wrote: post #341
yitchelle wrote: post #162

Coincidentally, I was watching Brave Dave doing freight hopping all over North America. For the brave at heart and with tons of energy, this looks a bit more exciting, and much cheaper. https://www.freighthopping.com/

And illegal, and dangerous. Train hopping is for those who need it. Give it respect and don't treat it like a sport or touristy thing. Story time... More than a score of years ago I was a young man traveling south from Seattle with a group of other kids. And old hand (I'll call him Jim) took us under his wing and showed us a bit of the ropes, how to ride the rails. The train folks are pretty old school. Level-headed,…

I have nothing to add, except to say thanks for writing that – I really enjoyed reading it. A bit of whimsy in the preceding paragraphs.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#466

Post by elsurudo »

justaguyhere wrote: post #188
benbristow wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Emirates airline food is pretty decent to be honest, and that's foil-wrapped.

Qatar airline is not bad either, though not as good as Emirates. Jet used to be good, not sure now, with all their financial woes

I flew Jet just once (from Toronto to Hong Kong I think), and I remember it as the only airplane meal that didn't seem like it came from a microwave. It was actual Indian food – maybe not top-tier-restaurant quality, but good! They also handed out _actual_ hot towels – not those single-use ones. This was all in economy.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#467

Post by thatfrenchguy »

magduf wrote: post #195
thatfrenchguy wrote: post #182

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>If we had 300mph bullet trains going across the country, it would make some sense because you'd get there a lot faster while still seeing the sights You should take a TGV, you'll realize that at 300kph you don't see the sights.

Yes, you would in America. It's a question of simple geometry and perspective. I haven't ridden TGV, but I'm guessing you're talking about smaller things, probably man-made ones (e.g. buildings), maybe trees, relatively close to the train. You're not going to see anything like that when riding a train across Montana. Instead, you're going to see enormous wide-open natural spaces, with absolutely nothing really close…

All TGVs run at 300kph in the countryside, which is (on a smaller scale), just open spaces. The speed reduces your field of vision.

Re: There is no reason to cross the U.S. by train, but I did it anyway

#468

Post by barrkel »

dang wrote: post #429
barrkel wrote: post #378

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you always ignore what people write? Is that how you think you win arguments? TfL. Transport for London.

No personal attacks, please.

It's hard to tolerate dishonest disagreement, but fair enough.
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