Why Trains Suck in America

At one time, America’s railroads were king. It was once a very pleasant way to travel. You have more legroom than planes or buses, you don’t have to drive or navigate pr pump gas, and the view along the way is unique. But the last time I rode a train was in the 1970s, and I hear that riding a train now is as expensive as a airline flight and slower than driving. There aren’t many passenger trains available anymore. Wendover Productions looks at the reasons why.

(YouTube link)

Of course, it boils down to money and infrastructure (which costs money). Even freight trains don’t carry as much cargo as they should, but that’s a subject for another day. -via reddit

Trains in the USA may suck relative to what they used to be and compared to other countries... but there is much to like about them. Yes, they are usually slower than flying — a great deal slower, for longer journeys — but they can be cheaper, depending on when you purchase your tickets. However, the biggest thing to recommend them is the freedom. Unlike most airlines, you get a lot more room in the seats, and you can walk around freely, sit in the common areas, go to the snack bar, and if you spend the extra dough, even have a sleeper cabin of your own. Until airlines find a way to bring back that freedom that *they* once had, trains will always be a more relaxing way to travel than flying.