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.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Trains seem to be the ugly stepchild of U.S. transportation. We love our automobiles. We love to fly. (Well, love might be a strong word.) But trains? They're relics. At least in our country. If you've ever taken the Eurostar from Paris to London, you know that train travel can be modern and oh-s- quick. Memo to Congress: High-speed trains rock.

But here in America, Amtrak is our mothership, and they're hoping people will show them some love for National Train Day on Saturday. They have events planned in four cities, including Washington, where Amtrak is setting up a day of entertainment at Union Station. The events include tours of Acela and historic trains, train model displays, concerts and a guest appearance by Today show host Al Roker. Amtrak Vacations also has travel deals for the other cities of celebration with packages that offer a 2-night hotel stay and roundtrip train travel.

Read all about it here.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)