When I wanted to take my dad to Chicago for his birthday, we ruled out flying because of the cost and risk of weather disruption and driving because of the distance and annoyance of having the car once in Chicago. Instead, we embarked on an elaborate trip by bus, carpool, and train. Why? Because Amtrak service in the Midwest is severely lacking, especially in Ohio. But hopefully, that will drastically change in the next few years thanks to the Amtrak Connects Us plan, which would add significantly more and better service in Ohio and many other communities across the nation. Learn more about the Amtrak Connects Us plan: https://www.amtrakconnectsus.com Join the Rail Passenger Association to advocate for better rail service: https://railpassengers.org
In a new video on Urbanists.Video, the Heartland Urbanist explores the unique challenges train travellers face when trying to travel interstate using Amtrak.
“Although she was going home by bus, she had come by Amtrak. The train ride had taken 26 hours. Akron and Buffalo are only a few hours apart. If you drive or take the bus. Even less if you fly. But there are no direct trains between the two cities. Felicia had to first go to New York City, lay over for three hours, and then switch to the Chicago-bound train that passes through Buffalo.”
She’d just wanted a train ride.
This is from a story I once wrote based on a bus encounter.
@ajsadauskas
“Although she was going home by bus, she had come by Amtrak. The train ride had taken 26 hours. Akron and Buffalo are only a few hours apart. If you drive or take the bus. Even less if you fly. But there are no direct trains between the two cities. Felicia had to first go to New York City, lay over for three hours, and then switch to the Chicago-bound train that passes through Buffalo.”
She’d just wanted a train ride.
This is from a story I once wrote based on a bus encounter.