How was your travel this holiday weekend? If you’re one of the 82 million Americans who traveled at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, perhaps some of you opted for Amtrak instead of driving. Our nation’s passenger railroad estimates a six percent boost in ridership this year, as Amtrak’s growth and popularity continues. Not that taking the train is cheap: a one-way, … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Rebuilding Amtrak
trains
Talking Transportation: Memoirs of a Metro-North Conductor
Being a train conductor seems like a simple, boring job: collecting tickets, opening and closing doors, reminding people to keep their feet off the seats. Yawn. But there’s a lighter side to the job, as I wrote a few years ago, based on former conductor Michael Shaw’s great book, “My Rail Life,” after he retired from a 36-year career on the New Haven line. He clearly loved … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Memoirs of a Metro-North Conductor
Talking Transportation: Dangers of the Fall
I love the fall. But I hate the leaves! Sure, they look pretty as they change colors, but when those leaves are spent and fall to the ground, they present real problems for travelers. Whether you rake your leaves yourself or have someone “blow” them for you, disposing of leaves is a hassle. Growing up (many years ago) I remember we used to burn our leaves, heedless to … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Dangers of the Fall
Talking Transportation: Rules Vary for Bikes on Board
Taking mass transit is great. But when you step off your train or bus, what do you do to get to your final destination? Increasingly, that means BYO wheels: a bike, e-bike or scooter. The problem is the rules for bringing your “wheels” are much different depending on your carrier. METRO-NORTH: You can bring your non-electric-powered bike on the train anytime except … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Rules Vary for Bikes on Board
Talking Transportation: Jim Cameron Finally Boards the NextGen Acela
I finally had a chance to ride the new NextGen Acela and I have to admit, I was wrong: This really is Amtrak’s train of the future. But here are a few tips for making your next ride frictionless. These tips are mostly about riding Acela, but many hold true for slower Northeast Corridor trains. WHAT’S A NEXTGEN ACELA? These are the new trains built by Alstom, previously … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Jim Cameron Finally Boards the NextGen Acela
Talking Transportation: Don’t Believe the Hype
Don’t believe everything you read or see in the media. Sage advice on any topic, but especially when it comes to coverage of transportation. A couple of recent stories illustrate my point. Improved Cell Service on Metro-North The Governor and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner held a media event recently in Stamford to promote the … [Read more...] about Talking Transportation: Don’t Believe the Hype