That is so good to hear, especially with how hostile the admin is towards them. You can’t argue with increased ridership. I know in the PNW where I am the Cascades keeps adding trains, and they keep filling them to capacity. People are sick of driving, the proof is there. Even in rural midwest the Borealis from MSP to Chicago has been a wild success, proving that it’s not just coastal elites who are tired of driving everywhere.
Amtrak did a good job admitting that no, they can’t compete with the long-haul routes because both financially and time-wise they fail compared to flying. These shorter “cooridor” trips though are perfect for them, and I think we’ll keep seeing massive success there. Flying Portland<->Seattle is ridiculus, < 2 hours, and you have to go all the way out of town to the airport. The train is 4 hours, but it’s comfier, cheaper, more friendly towards the environment, and you can catch it right downtown. Same with Minneapolis to Chicago. People are realizing it’s worth maybe an extra hour to not deal with flying.
They really need to add trains between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Both cities have an Amtrak station, but somehow, not an available option. It would be massive money for them.
well they’re attempting that with Brightline West, but I haven’t heard anything positive from them in a while. I agree though, the tracks are there, even if it’s not super duper fast I know that corridor, I can’t imagine every person driving that is super thrilled to be driving. I’m sure a good chunk of them would be willing to add an hour or two on to not have to drive, and let’s be real you don’t need a car in vegas.
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