By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know a trip by Amtrak results in less greenhouse gas emissions than other popular modes of travel? (Photo: Amtrak)
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, is a quasi-government organization that officially launched 44 years ago. Amtrak provides passenger train service to nearly 31 million passengers to towns and cities across the country. Since 1971, Amtrak has relied on federal money—much to the chagrin of some members of Congress, which authorizes the passenger railroad service’s funding. Amtrak has also faced significant challenges. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data shows that between 2010 and 2014, there has been an average of 26 derailments annually. So far, this year there has been at least nine. Amtrak’s May 12th derailment in Philadelphia left over a half dozen dead and more than 140 injured. The accident renewed criticism around the organization’s safety and funding. Others have criticized the passenger rail service for what they see as old-fashioned technology, which lags behind the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and China.
Enough of the criticism!
With all the negative press and unfortunate events around Amtrak over the past few weeks, it’s sometimes too hard to remember that there are benefits and conveniences to using the rail service. We’ve pulled together a list of why Amtrak is important to life in America.
- Amtrak drops passengers and business travelers off in the actual city they are visiting. First time visitors to Washington, DC—a popular Amtrak destination—are usually surprised at the hurdles they may have to go through to get from Dulles International Airport to the city, which is located about 27 miles away (up to an hour of driving if there is traffic). In contrast, Amtrak passengers are dropped off at Union Station, only a few blocks from Congress, eateries, hotels, historical sites, and downtown DC. The same is true for rail stations in New York City, Philadelphia, and other towns serviced by Amtrak. Say goodbye to those $75 taxi rides to the hotel and those sometimes frustrating multiple stops via shuttle service providers!
- Amtrak’s travel experience is often less of a hassle…Passengers get more leg room than the typical premium, extra cost seats on airlines AND they don’t have to pay extra! Plus, travelers won’t be stuck in the dreaded middle seat because there aren’t any on Amtrak. Customers can power up their smartphones, tablets, or laptops using power outlets on trains. There is also free Wi-Fi on some trains. What about those popular $50 luggage fees and other hidden costs associated with some airlines? Well, the Amtrak website states there are “no extra fees—what you see is what you get.” Perhaps best of all, passengers aren’t required to show up two hours before the train leaves, wait in long security lines, or undress (removing shoes, belts, etc.) before jumping abroad. For city to city/regional travel, Amtrak seems like a more streamlined approach to traveling.
- Traveling by Amtrak is greener than air travel or a road trip. That’s right. A trip by rail results in less greenhouse gas emissions than other popular modes of travel! The U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory Data on Fuel Efficiency – Transportation Energy Data Book (Edition 33) illustrates that traveling by rail is 30% more efficient (in terms of mileage) than by auto. Amtrak is so committed to reducing its passengers’ carbon footprint, it has partnered with Carbonfund.org. This partnership empowers Amtrak riders to offset their “carbon emissions footprint” through making voluntary contributions to Carbonfund.org—a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption. Find out more at
- Amtrak puts Americans to work. The rail service employs more than 20,000 people. As one might expect, Amtrak staff and loved ones can take advantage of complimentary services on the rail systems traveling throughout its 21,300-mile (34,000 km) system. Amtrak employees don’t pay Social Security taxes. Instead, they get a higher retirement benefit by paying special taxes as a result of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA). Plus, they can elect to participate in a traditional 401(k) retirement plan.
Not Even Close to Perfect
Amtrak isn’t the most advanced passenger rail system in the world. Its federal funding will likely be cut again in the next fiscal year. And yes, it has yet to turn a profit. Still, with proper guidance, investments, and upgrades to its infrastructure, Amtrak’s future days could be brighter. (1) What are your thoughts of rail vs. road vs. air travel? (2) Do you think Amtrak is good for America? (3) When was the last time you traveled by rail (excluding light rail and subway systems)?
Tags: Amtrak, carbon emissions, Dennis Powell, , FRA, government spotlight, greenhouse gas, hi-speed rail, Ola Sage, rail
I love the train when it works! In Europe, all I do is take the train. Train services have to be either private or public. This hybrid model is not practical and generates a company that is unfunded, does not play any significant social engineering role (e.g. keeping communities alive) and can’t really compete with American’s preferred modes of transportation: cars and planes.
I traveled via Amtrak from DC to Orlando FL a couple years ago. It was my 1st time on Amtrak & I was traveling with a 3 year old female child. The conductor was very attentive to our needs. Our original seating was in a car that had drinkers in it. The conductor relocated us so that we was comfortable. I must say it was a experience. -BAW
Thank you for posting this article Dennis! I used to be a person who insisted on driving everywhere that I went whether it was convenient and/or cost efficient or not. Since living in the Washington, DC area, I have become accustomed to leaving the driving to someone other than myself and have even branched out a time or two to riding the commuter rail and Amtrak quite heavily when commuting to and from New York from Washington, DC. The experience is ALWAYS an experience and generally pleasant. I have had no issues while riding Amtrak and even though they have clearly run into complications here lately, riding the train is still a safe option and is VERY convenient. I do enjoy the opportunities to stop at different locations along the way and also ENJOY the scenic view. Improving our rail system would definitely make the service MORE appealing to travelers. Hopefully, Congress will get out of the way and pass legislation that will improve this alternative mass transportation system and provide opportunities to commute safely.
I ‘ve traveled on Amtrak a lot in 2006 -09 time frame and it was very convenient for me ( The East Coast route From Washington, D.C. to New York) Well I love the trains as a child and I do now.. My experiences were great and exciting I just wish that everything would be just that .. A quiet car, a single Mother(Parent car with children) A family Car, and the rest for all other individuals.. No I don’t know about Amtrak being better than traveling via car, Plane but maybe better than Greyhound Buses.. As far as being competitive..
Amtrak is cool! I used to use it when I lived back in Pennsylvania. It was very convenient when I would travel to other universities across the state. I would HATE to see Amtrak go under. I think there are a lot of older Americans that can’t fly or be all cramped up on a bus. One of the things on my bucket list is going cross country by train.
I think that maybe Amtrak has to rethink its business strategy and marketing model. Something to make potential passengers want to pay for a train ticket as opposed to an airline ticket–both tickets are usually very close in price too! It is a hard sell with all these other preferred (and quicker and sometimes cheaper) modes of transportation. I would hate to see Amtrak fall under.
I think it is a very friendly experience for people with disabilities as well. Nowadays, I prefer Air but that’s only if I can catch a good deal on airline tickets. Me and Greyhound used to be very cool too. I took a 17-hour bus ride once and I enjoyed it because it gave me lots of time to “think” and catch up on some personal writing. I consider travelling to be a reflective time, so I don’t mind long rides. BUT, now that I have a 5-year-old son…the shortest route possible (PLEASE) whether it be by air, rail, or road. lol
I do love a train ride! I prefer it over flying or driving.
While vacationing in Europe and Japan, years ago I often wondered why USA didn’t have a decent rail system. It seemed so efficient.
My family and I rode the train from mid Cal to the end of the line, then had to take a bus the rest of the way into Los Angeles.
We enjoyed it. The kids read and watched out the window a lot and checked out the dining cart while hubby & I enjoyed a couple of cocktails. It was a stress free trip to Southern Cal that would have been long and miserable had we driven ourselves.
I’m with Tyrone Spencer that improvements would make it even better and I wish the train kept going into LA instead of having to transfer to a bus.
Hopefully Congress will get out of the way.
@Ruben Hillar, Europe was rail systems are much more mature than the USA. Europe was devastated during during World War II, so it’s infrastructure (including rail) had to be rebuilt…in the United States, the government focused on improving the grown transportation system (highways/roads)…as a result, driving became a lot more convenient for millions of Americans who previously relied on rail. Personally, I hope there is a shift in public support for rail projects and modernization. Traveling by rail is so much better than the airlines (excluding first class and business class). Thank you for sharing your comment and experience with rail.
@Barbara Watson, I relax a lot more when I am riding rail than when I am driving or flying. I love the larger, more comfortable seating. I like the electrical outlet…the Wi-Fi… I also like the “quiet car” for people who want to avoid the louder than normal passengers. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience.
@Tyrone Spencer, I agree with you…rail travel is pleasant and the routes are often scenic. Like you, I use Amtrak mostly to travel between Washington DC to New York City. Thank you for yout ongoing support of thee-Management blog.
@David Echols, I am not a fan of traveling using certain commercial bus companies…the seats are usually too uncomfortable for my taste. So, I agree with you. Amtrak is probably a better way to travel (if it hits into one’s budget). Thank you for stopping by.
@Stephanie Peck, funny you mentioned the bus. I was advised to take the train from Washington DC to Detroit in the 1990s. I too had to take a bus into Detroit….so, Amtrak doesn’t go everywhere…but my overall experience with Amtrak was better than what I normally had gotten from the airlines (that seem to treat passengers more like cattle than “customers.”) Thank you for your ongoing support of the e-Management blog.
@Jamie Triplin, I agree Amtrak needs to find a better marketing campaign to attract more riders. On another note, I recently read an article that pretty much said….sometimes when you add everything up, air travel takes more time than train. Consider the fact that many of us have to arrive 90 minutes – 2 hours before our flights… Personally, I prefer air travel to places that would take longer than 3-4 hours on the train. But sometimes it takes 3-4 hours even though one is only in the air for an hour… Thank you for your ongoing support of the e-Management blog.
A very informative read Dennis, thank you! I will be very interested in using your rail system to travel when I make it to The States ! I enjoy the scenic route & its a welcome change to driving which is my normal mode of travel. As a student I regularly travelled with my discounted rail card! In the UK our rail service is Privatised. The majority belongs to Virgin Trains, Richard Branson. The change from the previously nationalised British Rail (Margaret Thatcher dismanteled) is that the trains are newer but expensive, especially for commuters. Unfortunately they have a reputation for being late. Our Conservative Government is investing funds into improving the rail infrastructure with Japanese high speed trains & new routes. We have the rail link Channel Tunnel from Dover to France. I have travelled to Paris effortlessly, the coaches, cars etc drive straight onto the carriage, like the ferry & you remain seated in your car. I have also travelled by train within Europe, the Austrian trains are older but run on time & efficient for travelling around Europe, particularly to neighbouring counteries eg Germany. There is no added hassle of going through Customs so much better than air travel in some instances, especially with a family.
You are absolutely right about the air travel time! People will travel to other airports just because they think they are catching a better “deal.” Not realizing that all the total costs and time really isn’t a deal.
I love what e-Management does with the blog. I learn something knew every time I read a post. THANK YOU!
@Jamie Triplin, thank you for the compliment! Our supporters like you definitely advance the conversation beyond out blog postings. We always look forward to the insightful comments we receive. Thanks again for your kind words and for support our blog.
@Fauzia, wow…your narrative around traveling through Europe is a great example of how rail can be less of a “hassle” than flying. You and @Ruben Hillar (who commented earlier) have given me a few ideas regarding my next big European adventure.
As always, thank you for supporting our blog.
Being a from the midwest, train travel is often considered a last resort, slow commute. Yet, I used Amtrak for relaxing trips (though longer) to Chicago on business and leisure, particularly to expose my children. Train transportation – particularly high-speed alternatives overseas and here in the US (limited) would certainly be a welcome alternative and could potentially bring about higher usage in non-corridor (east/west) areas. And, indeed, the leg room, spacious seating and the views AND in many ways time savings versus airport travel, parking, processing are great benefits. Nice blog. Causing me to rethink my next Megabus, car, or flight along the east coast.
As someone who loves to travel the train can be so relaxing. The Amtrak ride from DCA to NYC is peaceful tranquil and a ride I suggest to all.
@Dilworth E Daley, I completely agree. Thank you for stopping by and adding your voice to this conversation.
@Michael Smith thank you for sharing your rail experiences in the Mid-West. Happy this posting has given you more options for traveling on the Northeast.
1) Clearly, America is a car oriented culture and it is not big on public transportation. The more cars on the streets, the more profits go into the corporate coffers. It is that simple. I cringe when I hear talk about cutting funding for Amtrak. Society pays a terrible price for the millions of cars on the street and that price is insidious. Even if Amtrak runs at an economic loss, it still does far less harm to the environment than all the motor vehicles on the roads. Based upon that fact, congress should give lots more money to public transportation efforts. I don’t expect that to happen because congress wears blinders and is shortsighted. 2) Amtrak is good for America and should be upgraded with faster trains and better service and cheaper service. 3) I used Amtrak about 22 years ago. I used the New Jersey heavy rail about 9 months ago. It worked!
@Keith Yearwood, Great point. I agree the environment impact of rail is far less than road travel (cars) and air travel (planes). Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Amtrak and for your ongoing support of the e-Management blog.
1. City life has changed significantly in the District – I use to love driving and enjoyed the now altered skyline. Its also made me tune in on our carbon foot print and how big its getting. When I think of trains now – i’m more in love with the idea of traveling that way. Amtrak has made some technological advancements to focus more on business travel – the Acela trains now operate with wifi coverage – its getting better as they progress.
2. YES its good for America unfortunately we will suffer the outcome of is business issues and our descion makers poor choices.
3. Its been some years however, i’ve been looking into their vacation side and am very excited about the possibility of planning that kind of getaway – since childhood I’ve wanted to do a sleep car like in the movies (feeling nostalgic). Growing up – I often rode the train between DC and NY!
@Melissa Quick, I agree that Amtrak has come along way. Thanks for adding your comment and sharing your experience.