Doesn't Amtrak have a fuel gauge? I would hope so, but I can't figure out how a train from Los Angeles to San Diego ran out of gas along the way and had to wait for another engine to come give it a push. Now I know Amtrak's budget is often shortchanged, but so is mine and I would never risk running out of gas when I had passengers in the car.

Can you imagine what would happen if a plane ran out of gas? Yes, I know, the airlines too are pushing that issue, keeping as little in reserves as possible. Luckily there are no tragic consequences for Amtrak, other than a two-hour delay, but I already bring my own food, drink and blanket. Now I have to bring a gas card, too.

Why don't we have more electric trains? Or fuel-cell trains or bullet trains? Train travel in Europe is a beautiful thing. Meanwhile, we could do a lot better.