For the first time in ages I took the train for a trip that lasted more than an hour; went from Vancouver to Everett, WA to visit my father for his birthday. The total trip took 3.5 hours and none of it was bad.
Me being me, I got to the train station more than an hour before boarding. I got the desk, picked up my tickets, and then got in line to go through customs. For the train is entailed a check of my passport and an x-ray of my bag (without having to take my laptop out!). Otherwise I walked on to the train and sat in my seat.
So much leg room! I couldn't believe that I didn't have any space issues with my seat! This alone helps beat out flying.
But there is also the view. Since the train from Vancouver to Seattle is in the evening I got a nice western view of the setting sun along the BC/Washington coast most of the way.
There was an extra stop in Blaine, WA for another customs check where they take your customs form and ask you if you are planning to leave anything in the US, etc. But the border patrol people seemed to be in better spirits than there highway counterparts.
Otherwise the trip was nice going down. Got a bunch of reading done and simply relaxed.
Coming back, though, did have the drawback of having to get up early. Since there is only a single train that goes up to Vancouver each day I had to take the train that left at 8:30 in the morning from Everett. I am not a morning person so that sucked. Once I got back I took a two hour nap.
And that is the big drawback of trains; the schedule and restricted destinations. Only having a single run in either direction each day sucks. Plus I can't take the train any farther than Seattle which is a disappointment as I would happily take it down to Portland or Boise to visit family at either location. Plus I would still rather fly for anything that would take a very long time on the train in the name of saving time. But for these short jaunts down to Seattle the train works out rather nicely.
2 comments:
I would prefer taking Amtrak Boston => Philly rather than flying or driving; Amtrak has more leg room, power outlets, a bar/food car, and Wifi. BUT it takes longer and is more expensive than either flying or driving. It's nicer than the bus but more expensive and about the same time.
So Amtrak only makes sense for super-commuters who are going to use the transit time to do work. You can definitely get more work done on the train than on a plane, train, or automobile.
I truly have to wonder why they don't use this as a serious commuter service here. I'd willingly take the train to Seattle in the morning and back in the evening if it were on offer. I drive that route enough as it is and it would be fantastic not to have to wait in traffic. Even in the Nexus lane, it takes a scandalously long time at the border.
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