It's not their fault. In the USA cargo trains take priority, so the Amtrak's get many delays they can't do anything about. Sadly, nobody has the appetite to build passenger only rails. You don't take the train for speed, you take it for the experience.
@ellisz5972 It's more that legislators don't have the appetite to force freight to keep their trains short enough to wait on sideage rails. It's not that freight has priority-quite the opposite, in fact-it's that passenger rail's priority is impossible to enforce if freight is allowed to be too long to get out of the way on any sideage rail in the country.
Fun fact, since the Floridan was created in November last year, your train is the single latest train that ended up making it all the way to Chicago. You almost could not have picked a worse time to ride it.
@SahilShah-c1n I'd add to your argument that generally speaking the US lacks the infrastructure, the funding and political will to implement the fast rail systems you see in Europe and East Asia.
this comment makes me giggle because the diction @JustaRandomGuy890 uses is so incredibly not america-centric. I guess it just feels like the type of comment you would see under some random video about some random country that not all people know about and are acutely aware of. Its just extremely funny and insanely awesome, this comment.
i feel like those kitchen fires were because people keep putting aluminum foil in microwaves, so its our own failure in not spreading the correct information to the people who need it more. Palantir could so so much good in invading peoples lives and harvesting their information, it could help people by telling them what is wrong but the powers that be will make sure we live in ignorance and pain until you can only by chance, pull yourself out of it.
Completely different situations. Japan is a small country with a high population density; US is complete opposite. One is economically suited to train travel, the other is not.
@Zac_ColeThe population density of China (especially the populated eastern and coastal parts) is very high, and very conducive to mass rail transit. The more people, the more efficient it becomes.
From what I've heard, the reason Amtrak is always late is because the rail roads are owned by freight companies, and cargo trains get priority over passenger trains.
Amtrak is supposed to have priority as long as they're within a certain range of their schedule. However this is easy for freight railroads to screw with by running trains too long for their own sidings, and the penalties for this are poorly enforced.
@counterfit5 yea your exactly right, im pretty sure there is a law or something that make amtrak have priority over these freight trains but because they dont own the tracks and because nobody has any reason to report that a freight train took priority over a amtrak train (mostly because no one ever takes amtrak) it wont ever be fixed, unless the US nationalizes its rail but sadly that would/wont ever happen. Especially with politics on both sides only caring about them selves and not about the actual american people
Amtrak's site has a page and RUclips video about their delays. They are delayed by freight. Amtrak only owns a few railroads in the northeast, and the rest are owned by freight. The freight companies have to allow Amtrak to use their railroads and give passenger trains priority. But the freight companies move their trains first, not giving passenger trains priority. Amtrak wants us to call Congress about this.
@LUDSO it's easier in Europe too. It's expensive to own a car and to get a license in most countries. So they just take public transit. Which is only convenient if you live close to it.
"I have two jobs, off the books, I talked to some strangers and made new friends, and unrelated to that, I hired a Lawyer who actually defended me in court, and I won" - The European mind cannot comprehend this
The first time I rode a train, we came to a breakneck stop just outside of Portland, OR. Over the speaker, the conductor goes “Sorry folks, we almost crashed into another train. These things happen.” Then we were delayed there for 6 hours.
OR! I took the Via Rail Train across Canada and made some friends, we turned Monopoly into a drinking game! We were all pretty impressed they had board games that passengers were free to use. Trains are fun.
I used to live in Indonesia and lots of people in the villages and certain cities like Bandung have never been on trains so their public transport is literally worse than Los Angeles. It made me appreciate that at least we have the option to use Public Transit despite their delays and inconvenience
@TrustInJ3sus Yeah they are, high speed rail is a thing. But honestly, that's not even what America needs. RELIABLE rail is what it needs. Just look at this journey, what an amazing experience. There's a market for that. You can fly over america quick and easy, sure. But you can't experience america from a plane like you can a train. It's a beautiful country, and it's worth seeing the sights when you travel, instead of clouds or tarmac.
My understanding is that one of the biggest issues with rail in the US is that most of the track isn't dedicated for passenger rail. It's owned by the freight companies and they give their own trains priority, so you have to wait for freight rail to pass first, and since freight rail tends to go slower the tracks aren't as well maintained so the passenger rail can't go as fast on it either.
Tbh the trains go pretty quick on many stretches of the Amtrak network. I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco a few weeks ago and I was surprised that we were almost hitting 100mph for large majority of the trip. The problem is when the freights occupy the track and the passenger trains need to wait for it to clear that section of track.
The lease agreement with the RR says AMTRAK should get priority whenever possible - but since AMTRAK is run by political appointees some of whom have never set foot on a moving train, and couldn't care less - the RR's never have to live up to that agreement. Compare it to Brightline in Fla - where they actually want to make riding a train a good experience.
You are forgetting the fact also, Amtrak does not own the rails, CSX does. So anytime a freight train is coming, Amtrak has to give right of way. It's not the trip, it's the adventure.
My experience with Amtrak employees has always been amazing. They work so hard and have pride in their work. I'm sure there are some bad apples, but I appreciate their hard work. I love traveling by train. I suffer from a chronic pain condition that makes traveling by plane incredibly painful. If I could, I'd only travel long distance by train.
@TheChicagoJunkie I'm lucky and already have mine so I can fly if needed. The Empire Builder to CHI then The City of New Orleans to Memphis is on my list for the fall.
Amtrak employees are amazing! When I was in my early and mid twenties, I'd travel from DC to SC a lot, and always had great experiences with them. They made me feel really safe. There was one gentleman whom I saw several times who would sit with me and chat since we had family in the same area. I also have chronic pain(fused t4-l3 and have Ehlers-Danlos) and completely agree. Trains are more comfy than cars and planes. Although, I was on better rx opioids at the time so that certainly helped. I don't travel much these days.
Mine is that they talk with law enforcement and make you reconsider your current job. I should have stayed with that company and moved to Louisville like everyone else.
I think I've only gone twice and it's not really worse than riding in a car, mostly... although cars are slightly more convenient, especially with how much of a picky eater I am and stuff. However, if we had GOOD public transit everywhere, and I didn't have like 1 passenger train in my state, I probably wouldn't mind switching. Like, oh wow, I have to walk for 10 minutes between my station and restaurant destination or something? It'd be fine. And technically, it might be cheaper than like 50 tanks of gas a year or whatever lol. But right now, it's not convenient enough and a slightly worse experience for me. (Someone less picky probably would have an equal or possibly better experience between train and car)
Brother, as someone who lives in the middle of those Appalachian Mountains, the rain has been absolutely brutal the last 6 months or so. Glad you were able to visit, but sorry it was so miserable
I took an Amtrak in 2018 from St. Louis to Albuquerque. My family despised it, but I have the most wholesome memories! I woke at 5am in Dodge City to some old guys talking. I was pissed, but my dad made friends with them. Two elderly twins take the train from east to west every year for the joy of it. They get a hotel for a night, and take the train home the next morning. It’s all about the journey! There was an observation car almost entirely windows. The conductor announced when we would be traveling through remote nature preserves and parks that you truly couldn’t see from a car or airplane. On the train home, somewhere in Colorado, I had the most incredible experience. The conductor announced that we would be passing through a place filled with endangered elk. Everyone, from all walks of life, started counting aloud. The excitement was electric, and everyone felt connected in a special way. There were quite a lot of Amish folks aboard, and it was neat to see everyone come together in a way that otherwise would have felt awkward conversationally.
Bro I took the train from Cali to Chicago and it was delayed 2 times for 8 hrs because of wind 😂 made it a 5 day trip instead of 3 days it was fucking crazy
Amtrak’s has two slogans that really tell you what Amtrack s all about. One "Sometimes you need options." basically saying, 'if you are riding with us, you need to figure out your other options'. Two "The train has arrived indeed." basically the unbelievable shock by Amtrak employees when a train actually gets somewhere.
I think you're misinterpreting one. It's more about, in the ideal, trains being another option beyond cars or planes (eg. if you're pregnant, have bad vertigo, or otherwise dislike trains).
@theonlyMoancore Boss, I assure you, no one cares about ghost stories when they choose a place to move. People are already moving here and will continue to move here. I think our bottom of the board education systems do more to scare people off.
My biggest dream for the United States rail system is to get funding, because I think it would actually be viable if it did. Absolutely love your videos and the investigation you do! Especially in a sea of shock value vlogging content. Keep up the good work Tonio!
Wish it was possible but US rail is not only heavily limited by governments, but also the private rail companies dominating the country. They own the rail line and usually cause much of Amtrak’s delays. US rail really needs improvement but with this government and lack of support, it’s not looking good.
@javachillerchannel8638 Absolutely hit the nail on the head with this comment. It's a mess and I can't imagine it getting better any time soon. Still, a man can dream
@javachillerchannel8638 Look at the California high speed rail boondoggle to see how well government throwing money at this works. Several decades and tens of billions of dollars later nothing of substance has been accomplished.
Holy moly, am I the only one who’s impressed by how nice that first room was? That room was absolutely gorgeous. Looked like some kind of first class train style accommodation.
For the heck of it I looked up pricing since this seems cool. Miami to Chicago alone is about $1,500, when I could book a flight to AND from for, like, $300.
@nicka5040trains are ridiculously overpriced. Sadly I wish I would’ve took advantage during Covid. You could get the nicest rooms imaginable and have a cross country trip for 300 dollars because no one was taking them
@nicka5040 LOL really? Wow, I thought the whole point was that it was cheaper than flying? It seems people are just doing it for the adventure, at least if they're going long distances.
Texas is double the sq miles of the entire country of Germany. There is vast swathes of nothingness that make trains very inefficient for most of America outside of the New England area.
5:03 the dining car staff on every amtrak train I've been on are genuinely the nicest people I have ever met. My last trip from fort worth to san antonio I met the dining car attendant. We talked for the entirety of the second half of my leg of the trip. Unfortunately I forgot his name. Aaron maybe? The amtrak employees are always top of the line.
@eMegMBea yes. I took him away from his job and held him hostage. There was a line up the stairs and into the next car waiting for food but I just had to talk with him. Lol obviously not. He told me that most of his time was spent sitting around and doing nothing all day. Just waiting for other people to come down and buy something. Maybe 2 or 3 people total came down for the duration of that trip.
Then you never rode Amtrak. I remember Amtrak back in the 1980's, the transcontinental lines staffers were GREAT and they would even serve complimentary wine and cheese to sleeping car passengers. Now? Omg it is a mess.
I think one major reason why train travel in the US sucks is that freight is always given priority because the infrastructure is not government owned. In Europe passenger rail gets the priority almost always. Freight companies can just tell passenger trains to stop whenever they want and those unexpected delays mess up everything.
Amtrak, by law, is actually given priority. However, because of how long our freight trains are, they can't fit into the siding so the Amtrak train has to wait in the siding instead.
In Europe we prioritise the passenger trains, and travel is generally cheap (Except of UK where the train service is very expensive, neglected, and privately owned).
To go from NYC to Bellingham, Washington costs $4800.00 per person for the cheapest roomette and the ride take 81 hours in ideal circumstances. I wonder why people are not lining up to take the train.
No really, America is a massive country, so traveling with automobiles is more efficient. We have 1000s of miles of empty land. Lots of trains in the congested populated areas like the NE, Bay Area, Chicago. Check out on Google maps how massive America is. All of Europe could fit in our borders with room left over.
@matthew8153It’s less that, and more so 7 decades of chronic underfunding and political lobbying by the auto industry. If we had bullet trains the same as China, Japan, or even TGV France, anything but the longest trips (NYC-LA) would become faster and cheaper with trains. No long security lines, no weather delays, no checking your bags an hour before the flight, no waiting for an hour for them to come off the baggage carousel. Not to mention cheaper and more environmentally friendly. It could be beautiful.
Man... Alaskan here! It's so awesome to see y'all enjoy the ferry. I remember the amount of times I'd take the Columbia for school trips, I've slept all over the place in that building, from the lounge, to the theater to the observation deck. I'm glad you enjoyed your time! The Train rides sound brutal but also awesome. I'm glad you had an excellent journey!
The worst part about all of this to me is that most of this wasn’t directly Amtrak’s fault. They’ve been having a streak of bad luck lately and it’s only getting worse. Sure you could kind of blame them for the first fire, but everything else was out of their control. Most delays I’ve seen are caused by other companies’ freight trains. As for equipment failures, their older trains are dropping like flies left and right, and the new trains they’ve ordered are either still in production or unreliable beyond belief, which is on the manufacturer more than anything.
I use to ride amtrak from Texas to New Orleans and the second we hit New Orleans we would be stuck an extra hour. It was because of all the freight traffic it had to wait on
I’ll concede that saying almost all of it wasn’t their fault was a stretch, and I did say that the first fire was kind of their fault (likely poor maintenance coupled to the fact that their old equipment is becoming unreliable while it’s taking forever for the new stuff to arrive), and you should blame them for the hair in the burger too (I honestly forgot about that part, so that’s an oopsie daisy on my part). The second fire was because of somebody (most likely a passenger) not taking the tin foil off of their meal in the microwave, so that wasn’t directly Amtrak’s fault.
as someone from kalispell montana, i’m so happy you got to go, despite the unfortunate circumstances!!! GNP is so beautiful this time of year, i’m happy my small town got a shout out! 💗
Took almost this exact ride when moving from Florida to Seattle. Didn't have a room, just a seat in the main area. 5 days with a meager budget and a box of cliff bars. I stank like hell but it was some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen, I also did not poop for like 4 days.
one thing alot of people dont know is passenger trains are supposed to have priority on the rail lines due to some contract with the government or something, but nobody cares so the freight companies are given priority because freight makes more money.
Amtrak is often the cause of their own delays. This video showed multiple examples of that. Freight railroads cannot hold their trains forever waiting for Amtrak to show up whenever it feels like.
Nobody enforces it, probably because the freight RRs are making money, so can pay bribes to congress. AMTRAK is losing money, even at the outrageous fares they charge, due to being effectively run by those same government officials.
@user-mb4vm3tf9v BNSF does a pretty good job with Amtrak. But lately, it's often Amtrak's failing equipment (especially locomotives) that are the cause of many delays.
despite being titled 'americas worst rated train' this honestly kind of inspires me to try out more train travel. the staff being very candid about delays and happy to chat, and the friendly atmosphere between travellers seems like it makes up for the bad parts tbh.
I took a greyhound from Montana to Florida twice. It's was amazing despite the cramped bus conditions. Seeing the country from the ground was really neat. You leave this grey and white hellscape and watch the colors slowly turn into blue and green as you get closer to the coast. When you're making that final 3 hour trek and you're able to see the ocean before reaching your home makes everything in your life seem doable bc you realize if u are fine riding in a greyhound bus across the country nothing seems too bad.
Amtrak will always have a special place in my heart. I made the choice to move to a city I never set foot in before after living in NYC for 8 years. I needed a change. I said yes to a three month sublet, put the bulk of my stuff in storage and hopped on a 9 hour train to Pittsburgh. It was terrifying and beautiful. The conductor singing the theme song to Mister Rogers neighborhood put me at ease as we pulled into Pittsburgh. Two years later I'm still living here and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made
"What are you, a glutton for punishment?" Lol! I took the train across Canada by train coast to coast, in coach (NO BED), and I can confirm this is true. A beautiful way to travel. A punishing way to travel. We had to yield to freight trains sometimes for hours waiting doing nothing. We were over 24 hours late on the return trip due to freight trains and forest fires. I made new friends. I put my feet in the atlantic ocean. Trip of a lifetime, regardless of the delays.
Great video. 🎉 Appalachia did have a (deadly) flash flood. Very very fast. Literally swept people away and they drowned. While it may have been an inconvenience, you were safe and that’s a good thing 👍👍
That transition was hilarious, you being delayed gets to see a national park meanwhile "i wonder what Gabe is doing" 😂😂😂 nothing ,brushing his teeth on the train you were soppose to be on. ❤ hilarious and to the man that prayed the whole way. My kinda seat partner! Legend for sure. ❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂
I often times take short trips from northern CT to Southern CT and I can tell you Amtrak delays are common as all hell even for short trips but you will never bond more with strangers then when your stuck on a platform or a train in the middle of who knows where. Frustrating times but fun times too. also thanks for not just trashing on Amtrak as bad as it is most videos talk about it with a level of resentment that you would think the trains did something to them personally.
I’ve taken a few trains in my life, and it’s usually one of the most relaxing experiences 😭😭 from being so used to planes being so cramped, I loooove train travel
I went to college in Boston, and im from Philadelphia. It became much more peaceful and cheaper to take Amtrak! Lovely leg room and outlets before it was standard on planes.
@Dr_Mantis_TobogganI worked as a travel nurse for 8 years. When I was on the East coast, I took Amtrak to go home and visit family, get to new assignments, and one time took it from New Haven , CT to Philly , got fingerprints done (requirement to work in PA, even though it’s my home state, had an awesome hoagie, then jumped back on the train and went back to CT! I love the train ,unless they didn’t have a quiet car or business class.
I'm a train enthusiast from Indonesia and I love Amtrak! I have travelled from New York to LA, from Seattle to Texas and New Orleans, with Chicago as the main hub for most trains. All on coach class haha as the sleeping rooms are too expensive for me. The downside for me are only the delays and the not so comfortable seats, but the views are so worth it which we will never experience on the plane. Best scenic train is definitely the California Zephyr, and the crews are awesome too. I have also tried long distance trains in other countries (Trans Siberia, Tren Patagonia, DB, Shinkansen, etc) but Amtrak is special because of the scenery.
I took the Amtrak from Ventura county to Portland. It was so beautiful. Stayed in Portland a few days then back on the train to Seattle. It was so fun unfortunately I fell asleep from Portland to Seattle tho 😂
I have rode trains in Russia, you can get like 1 hour delay, maybe 2, 3 if it's some disaster, but 16 hours delay?!?!?! Like what are you doing, USA???
As someone who grew up in NYC and also has flying anxiety, I'm always down for a good train trip. I tend to relax, write, read on trains better than anywhere else. I recently took a train from LA up to Portland to visit a friend for the first time and it was wonderful watching the scenery change to snow. You also meet the most interesting and weird folks on a train, especially the elderly ones who are expert train travelers. They rule.
I'm in the same boat where my options for travel are this or driving. Amtrak is great, but you pretty much NEED a sleeper room for cross-country trips. Provided you have that, you get to enjoy a perfect, private view out the window, three hot meals a day (hit or miss, but if everything goes right the menu is quite large), and a relatively peaceful sleeping atmosphere. Those trains also BLAST the ac 24/7 so if you run hot like me it's a perfect temperature.
@professornuub didn't have a sleeper on the Zephyr. The seats were plenty spacious. They're meant to be because they're long distance. Everyone was spread throughout and not near each other and I spent a lot of time reading on the floor to ceiling observation deck
Trains in Germany are infamous for delays and cancellations, but someone told me Amtrak is worse, and you've proven it's true. I have been on Amtrak a few times, but only short distance journeys, so didn't know it could get this bad. Very clever to catch up by flying, I'm glad youmade it in the end.
Train in the US can have 14 Hour Delay but Train in germany can just say this train will only go to this random fuckass town you’re on your own good luck getting where you want
As a railfan myself, I can definitely say Amtrak 40 (the train you rode on, Tonio) is a train that seems to be always delayed, along with the counterpart 41, whether it's half an hour to 14 hours late. It's usually around the southeast between florida and Washington D.C where it has the most trouble. I'm able to track these Amtrak trains and can catch them out along the rails. I can say that 40 has been the most seen in the past couple months since it was combined with 2 other Amtrak train symbols to become the 40 it is today
Wait, what do you use to track the trains? I know you can pull up active train statuses (and their fixed schedules) via the Amtrak app, but it’s only useful if you have a specific train in mind.
@keenlybee7669 Google "Intercity Rail Map." It's the best tracking site for Amtrak. It shows in an instant which trains are late and they are color coded by degree of lateness. It also tracks Via trains in Canada.
@keenlybee7669 I use Intercity Rail Map. It's great dor tracking both Amtrak amd Via rail trains. (RUclips, I have no clue why my replies keep deleteing, but if this could stop, that'd be great)
Really sucks train travel is so bad in the USA. It used to be considered a luxury but ever since we got so car cultured and Amtrak has to wait on freight trains owned by private companies it just isn’t what it used to be.
The video is fake, you can only get as far as the peninsula by ferry but you can't get to the mainland, they stopped running that ferry several years ago.
I have a special spot in my heart for Amtrak. I’ve been on once and it was so much fun. I’m from SoCal and we have Amtrak and metrolink there and I think the US needs to invest more in its train systems again. Such a beautiful way to travel. Great job Tonio! ❤
The only way to travel in America is to drive. Sure, it's not the fastest, but you're in control, you make your own stops, and you can see anything you want!
What can i say.. the feeling I got when you and your friend arrived in Alaska safe and sound - was just pure joy and happiness. Me and my partner have took Amtrak everywhere due to his PTSD in flying in Cargo Planes in the Air Force and I must say it has been a game changer for us. From making memories, meeting nice people along the way and just enjoying our time together - it makes it worthwhile and a unforgettable experience. Our next destination is Alaska. Thanks for the video and keep on traveling!
Honestly love traveling Amtrak and it's hard to explain why. If you're not in a huge rush it's so much more relaxing than flying, you got plenty of room, and most of the people I've sat next to in coach are super friendly. It helps that you're not constantly competing to sit comfortably like on a plane. I wish Amtrak was more efficient, but it is what it is. It's definitely a nice way to see the country though.
Not gonna lie... A person that havent been on a train like me, would enjoy much more with those delays and a little more sight seing around 😂... Its like maximizing my payment in the train.
I'm from Montana (happy you got to see Glacier, Tonio!) & love the Amtrak. My family used to take the train pretty often when my siblings & I were young to see my dad's side of the family. Now, I take my son on quick Amtrak trips every so often.
Awwwee I got so emotional when you were able to experience and appreciate how beautiful my state is. Washington really does have it all ❤ Wonderful video per usual!
My jaw dropped when a grown man hadn't taken a train before. Not saying he's at fault, it's just such an integral part of life in less car-infested places.
I feel honored you made a video inspired by my comment!
was looking for your comment here
Thanks for inspiring this video!!
Good suggestion 👍🏻
It's the man, the myth, the legend!!!
hahah came here for this comment!
3:38 When an AMTRAK employee asks if you are a "glutton for punishment" about his own company, you know its bad 🤣🤣
At least they're honest!
20:38 🇨🇦 > 🇺🇸
It's not their fault. In the USA cargo trains take priority, so the Amtrak's get many delays they can't do anything about. Sadly, nobody has the appetite to build passenger only rails.
You don't take the train for speed, you take it for the experience.
@ellisz5972 other than Bright Line 😂😂😅😅
@ellisz5972 It's more that legislators don't have the appetite to force freight to keep their trains short enough to wait on sideage rails. It's not that freight has priority-quite the opposite, in fact-it's that passenger rail's priority is impossible to enforce if freight is allowed to be too long to get out of the way on any sideage rail in the country.
Fun fact, since the Floridan was created in November last year, your train is the single latest train that ended up making it all the way to Chicago. You almost could not have picked a worse time to ride it.
Good to know that.
Cool my family can take Amtrak to Florida this year even Tho we live outside Cincy
The last sentence is the chef’s kiss
btw the whole reason this train exsists is because amtrak does not have enough train cars
@SahilShah-c1n I'd add to your argument that generally speaking the US lacks the infrastructure, the funding and political will to implement the fast rail systems you see in Europe and East Asia.
It’s a shame that the trains in the US are so underdeveloped, it’s a huge and beautiful country that has amazing potential to have amazing train lines
this comment makes me giggle because the diction @JustaRandomGuy890 uses is so incredibly not america-centric. I guess it just feels like the type of comment you would see under some random video about some random country that not all people know about and are acutely aware of. Its just extremely funny and insanely awesome, this comment.
@garinlieblich9059 just becuase you're american, doesn't mean you can make fun of other people's comments on the internet 🥀
@Melbourne_Tracks thats not what he means at all, you have completely missed the mark with this and I hope you go back to the drawing board.
@Alex-hg7lq thank you!
i feel like those kitchen fires were because people keep putting aluminum foil in microwaves, so its our own failure in not spreading the correct information to the people who need it more. Palantir could so so much good in invading peoples lives and harvesting their information, it could help people by telling them what is wrong but the powers that be will make sure we live in ignorance and pain until you can only by chance, pull yourself out of it.
Gene is one of the best servers I've ever encountered on Amtrak. I'm glad you got to meet him!
Gene is famous I love that :)
What a joke of a third world trash train system. China will eat this alive
I swear I remember Gene from some flight I was on back in the middle 00s
He looks like the train - a disaster.
I hope Gene was told about the video, and hopefully he sees the impact he's left on previous passengers. He seems like a top bloke. A stand-up guy.
Japan: apologizing for 30 seconds delay.
America: Check out our FIRE PAINT!
“apologizing PROFUSELY for 30 second delay.”
yea but in Japan trains are essential transportation for a lot of people. In America, trains are pretty much just a cheap way to travel long distances
Completely different situations. Japan is a small country with a high population density; US is complete opposite. One is economically suited to train travel, the other is not.
@johnlacey3857 what about china tho? Yeah the population density is higher than US but they use a lot of trains
@Zac_ColeThe population density of China (especially the populated eastern and coastal parts) is very high, and very conducive to mass rail transit. The more people, the more efficient it becomes.
From what I've heard, the reason Amtrak is always late is because the rail roads are owned by freight companies, and cargo trains get priority over passenger trains.
Amtrak is supposed to have priority as long as they're within a certain range of their schedule. However this is easy for freight railroads to screw with by running trains too long for their own sidings, and the penalties for this are poorly enforced.
@counterfit5nope Amtrak has to wait
That is not true overall. Maybe the mail trains have higher priority, but everyone else definitely waits.
@counterfit5 yea your exactly right, im pretty sure there is a law or something that make amtrak have priority over these freight trains but because they dont own the tracks and because nobody has any reason to report that a freight train took priority over a amtrak train (mostly because no one ever takes amtrak) it wont ever be fixed, unless the US nationalizes its rail but sadly that would/wont ever happen. Especially with politics on both sides only caring about them selves and not about the actual american people
Amtrak's site has a page and RUclips video about their delays. They are delayed by freight. Amtrak only owns a few railroads in the northeast, and the rest are owned by freight. The freight companies have to allow Amtrak to use their railroads and give passenger trains priority. But the freight companies move their trains first, not giving passenger trains priority.
Amtrak wants us to call Congress about this.
"First time I've been on a train" - the European mind cannot comprehend this.
It requires no flexibility whatsoever. It's a very simple concept to grasp. Odd that it would cause any surprise whatsoever.
I just said that too, I’m in the uk and it’s crazy to me, but obviously not to others … 😂
I live in Texas and it’s honestly easier to drive to your destination
@LUDSO it's easier in Europe too. It's expensive to own a car and to get a license in most countries. So they just take public transit. Which is only convenient if you live close to it.
"I have two jobs, off the books, I talked to some strangers and made new friends, and unrelated to that, I hired a Lawyer who actually defended me in court, and I won" - The European mind cannot comprehend this
The first time I rode a train, we came to a breakneck stop just outside of Portland, OR. Over the speaker, the conductor goes “Sorry folks, we almost crashed into another train. These things happen.” Then we were delayed there for 6 hours.
HAHA SAMEE
"These things happen" is wild
At least it wasn't a 'jumper.' I have been delayed for that reason.
God Bless!
The dining car is awesome because you can be totally sober and not drink but you feel drunk because it's bobbing back and forth LOL
OR! I took the Via Rail Train across Canada and made some friends, we turned Monopoly into a drinking game! We were all pretty impressed they had board games that passengers were free to use. Trains are fun.
Oh no my motion sickness wouldn’t be able to handle that 🥲
Hearing somebody saying “I’ve never been on a train before” is by far the most American thing I’ve ever heard.
@TrustInJ3sus trains are more than feasible for long distance
I used to live in Indonesia and lots of people in the villages and certain cities like Bandung have never been on trains so their public transport is literally worse than Los Angeles. It made me appreciate that at least we have the option to use Public Transit despite their delays and inconvenience
Before the automobile, the US had more trains and passenger rail than any other country
@TrustInJ3sus Yeah they are, high speed rail is a thing. But honestly, that's not even what America needs. RELIABLE rail is what it needs. Just look at this journey, what an amazing experience. There's a market for that.
You can fly over america quick and easy, sure. But you can't experience america from a plane like you can a train. It's a beautiful country, and it's worth seeing the sights when you travel, instead of clouds or tarmac.
Im sure people in Africa say that too if you asked but yes I'd have to agree with your statement.
My understanding is that one of the biggest issues with rail in the US is that most of the track isn't dedicated for passenger rail. It's owned by the freight companies and they give their own trains priority, so you have to wait for freight rail to pass first, and since freight rail tends to go slower the tracks aren't as well maintained so the passenger rail can't go as fast on it either.
Yea, bc freight is 99.9% of rail traffic
@yuritesticoff1141 are... are you serious
Tbh the trains go pretty quick on many stretches of the Amtrak network. I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco a few weeks ago and I was surprised that we were almost hitting 100mph for large majority of the trip. The problem is when the freights occupy the track and the passenger trains need to wait for it to clear that section of track.
Amtrak doesn't own any track, so they're second fiddle to freight companies they lease it from
The lease agreement with the RR says AMTRAK should get priority whenever possible - but since AMTRAK is run by political appointees some of whom have never set foot on a moving train, and couldn't care less - the RR's never have to live up to that agreement.
Compare it to Brightline in Fla - where they actually want to make riding a train a good experience.
Booking Amtrack, across America, with a connection that has no margain for error. Brave. Very Brave.
There's a fine line between bravery and foolishness...and that sprints over it.
There was a round about 4 hours time to change in Chicago. Seems reasonable for me
they had a margin of error. But not a day long margin of error.
You are forgetting the fact also, Amtrak does not own the rails, CSX does. So anytime a freight train is coming, Amtrak has to give right of way. It's not the trip, it's the adventure.
God Bless!
The EMPIRE BUILDER had priority rail on my last trip home .
Tonio in 2040: I Took America's Worst Possible Spaceship
Haha!
First
huh@ORI_GT
Thats dope 😂
Bro will be 55 😢
video about trains in america, he takes 2 flights
And a ferry
That sums up the long distance rail situation in America perfectly
My experience with Amtrak employees has always been amazing. They work so hard and have pride in their work. I'm sure there are some bad apples, but I appreciate their hard work. I love traveling by train. I suffer from a chronic pain condition that makes traveling by plane incredibly painful. If I could, I'd only travel long distance by train.
Hello there, fellow chronic pain afflicted train friend! Real ID nailed the coffin shut, im taking the train everywhere now lol
@TheChicagoJunkie I'm lucky and already have mine so I can fly if needed. The Empire Builder to CHI then The City of New Orleans to Memphis is on my list for the fall.
Amtrak employees are amazing! When I was in my early and mid twenties, I'd travel from DC to SC a lot, and always had great experiences with them. They made me feel really safe. There was one gentleman whom I saw several times who would sit with me and chat since we had family in the same area.
I also have chronic pain(fused t4-l3 and have Ehlers-Danlos) and completely agree. Trains are more comfy than cars and planes. Although, I was on better rx opioids at the time so that certainly helped. I don't travel much these days.
Mine is that they talk with law enforcement and make you reconsider your current job. I should have stayed with that company and moved to Louisville like everyone else.
I think I've only gone twice and it's not really worse than riding in a car, mostly... although cars are slightly more convenient, especially with how much of a picky eater I am and stuff. However, if we had GOOD public transit everywhere, and I didn't have like 1 passenger train in my state, I probably wouldn't mind switching. Like, oh wow, I have to walk for 10 minutes between my station and restaurant destination or something? It'd be fine. And technically, it might be cheaper than like 50 tanks of gas a year or whatever lol. But right now, it's not convenient enough and a slightly worse experience for me. (Someone less picky probably would have an equal or possibly better experience between train and car)
"We are in the most Northwestern city in the United States", says Antonio, as he's about to depart to a more Northwestern city in the United States 😂
We need to make CONUS jargon more mainstream
also Bellingham is not, its neah bay if youre going off the ower 48.
Blaine, Wa has entered the chat for most NW CONUS city
Nome, AK: "Hold my Beer"
@DaveHurst1312 How about Point Roberts? It's at the 49th, just like Blaine but even further west!
Brother, as someone who lives in the middle of those Appalachian Mountains, the rain has been absolutely brutal the last 6 months or so. Glad you were able to visit, but sorry it was so miserable
Just watched a video on those mountains and why it’s haunted…. Lilith is her name and it’s believable 😮
My cuzzo is from Wayne county
Lots of ppl are from Wayne county Michigan !
@Anon-f7f rude !
@Anon-f7fWayne county West Virginia
12:06 “what an insane say, we had a fire on the train, another fire on the train and took a shower..”
I took an Amtrak in 2018 from St. Louis to Albuquerque. My family despised it, but I have the most wholesome memories! I woke at 5am in Dodge City to some old guys talking. I was pissed, but my dad made friends with them. Two elderly twins take the train from east to west every year for the joy of it. They get a hotel for a night, and take the train home the next morning. It’s all about the journey! There was an observation car almost entirely windows. The conductor announced when we would be traveling through remote nature preserves and parks that you truly couldn’t see from a car or airplane. On the train home, somewhere in Colorado, I had the most incredible experience. The conductor announced that we would be passing through a place filled with endangered elk. Everyone, from all walks of life, started counting aloud. The excitement was electric, and everyone felt connected in a special way. There were quite a lot of Amish folks aboard, and it was neat to see everyone come together in a way that otherwise would have felt awkward conversationally.
this sounds magical no lie
What were they counting aloud?
@asparaguspantry9718 the amount of elk is my guess.
Walter moment
Dude, sounds awesome. I'm kinda inspired to go find the Amtrak Amish.
Dude this trip was amazing thanks so much for bringing me along!
Everybody go smash like 👍 so he brings me along in the next one 🙏
Thanks for coming with me bro
Dude you're a legend in these travels! Aeropress inverted method on a moving train? Amazing!
what did y'all do in Alaska?
Bro I took the train from Cali to Chicago and it was delayed 2 times for 8 hrs because of wind 😂 made it a 5 day trip instead of 3 days it was fucking crazy
GABBEEEEEE
Amtrak’s has two slogans that really tell you what Amtrack s all about.
One "Sometimes you need options." basically saying, 'if you are riding with us, you need to figure out your other options'.
Two "The train has arrived indeed." basically the unbelievable shock by Amtrak employees when a train actually gets somewhere.
I think you're misinterpreting one. It's more about, in the ideal, trains being another option beyond cars or planes (eg. if you're pregnant, have bad vertigo, or otherwise dislike trains).
@ffc1a28c7it’s a thing called satire
usa needs shinkensen , tgv asap
@ffc1a28c7 r/whoooosh
@louissullivan-t7o I’m starting to see some bright line services but unfortunately they aren’t enough here in Florida. Those things move fast!
13:30 Bro the fact that Amtrak has the audacity to be posting train selfies at a time like this 😂😂
As someone who lives in the appys, thank you for keeping people terrified of here. Keeps it peaceful.
And cheap, last thing we need is a bunch of people moving in driving the prices up!
miss seeing my grandparents up in tennessee. they didnt pass they just moved to swamp-ass florida
@theonlyMoancore Boss, I assure you, no one cares about ghost stories when they choose a place to move. People are already moving here and will continue to move here. I think our bottom of the board education systems do more to scare people off.
yeah hard pass on hillbillies and uneducated racist folks. I am sure they are nice people and all but no thanks.
@ggulffI wanted to be offended but my ass is currently indeed swampy
9:51 hes so fed up with this job 💀💀
Almost felt like a scene from a skit 😂
He looks so tired. He’s probably been asked that same question like 100 times
As European, I wonder, is this the infamous fentanyl?
My biggest dream for the United States rail system is to get funding, because I think it would actually be viable if it did. Absolutely love your videos and the investigation you do! Especially in a sea of shock value vlogging content. Keep up the good work Tonio!
Wish it was possible but US rail is not only heavily limited by governments, but also the private rail companies dominating the country. They own the rail line and usually cause much of Amtrak’s delays. US rail really needs improvement but with this government and lack of support, it’s not looking good.
@javachillerchannel8638 Absolutely hit the nail on the head with this comment. It's a mess and I can't imagine it getting better any time soon. Still, a man can dream
Not gonna happen with trump he heavily cut Amtrak
@thebbsfly5019and it needed to be cut. It constantly bleeds money. Why continue to fund something that is broken?
@javachillerchannel8638 Look at the California high speed rail boondoggle to see how well government throwing money at this works. Several decades and tens of billions of dollars later nothing of substance has been accomplished.
"add 4 hours to ya ETA" took me out LMAOOOOOO
Holy moly, am I the only one who’s impressed by how nice that first room was? That room was absolutely gorgeous. Looked like some kind of first class train style accommodation.
absolutely shits on the rooms they have in sleeper trains down here in Australia
For the heck of it I looked up pricing since this seems cool. Miami to Chicago alone is about $1,500, when I could book a flight to AND from for, like, $300.
@nicka5040That alone makes it a big NO for me 🤣 shame, looked fun
@nicka5040trains are ridiculously overpriced. Sadly I wish I would’ve took advantage during Covid. You could get the nicest rooms imaginable and have a cross country trip for 300 dollars because no one was taking them
@nicka5040 LOL really? Wow, I thought the whole point was that it was cheaper than flying? It seems people are just doing it for the adventure, at least if they're going long distances.
For a country that was built on the rail, the US has really fallen behind most countries.
Freight is still built on rail
@pro-seriesfabrication3810 I meant passenger rail
@pro-seriesfabrication3810 I meant passenger rail
That's because we invented planes
Texas is double the sq miles of the entire country of Germany. There is vast swathes of nothingness that make trains very inefficient for most of America outside of the New England area.
15:15 you could have also said, "I am making it to Alaska because I am an Alas-can not an Alas-can't."
The crappy thing is our train system is more geared towards tourism and not the best way to commute places..
The loss of the AC was my 'NOPE' moment. Long delays are fine with me so long as I am comfortable.
5:03 the dining car staff on every amtrak train I've been on are genuinely the nicest people I have ever met. My last trip from fort worth to san antonio I met the dining car attendant. We talked for the entirety of the second half of my leg of the trip. Unfortunately I forgot his name. Aaron maybe? The amtrak employees are always top of the line.
So you're saying you held him up from helping other riders and his coworkers for half the trip?
@eMegMBea yes. I took him away from his job and held him hostage. There was a line up the stairs and into the next car waiting for food but I just had to talk with him.
Lol obviously not. He told me that most of his time was spent sitting around and doing nothing all day. Just waiting for other people to come down and buy something. Maybe 2 or 3 people total came down for the duration of that trip.
Then you never rode Amtrak. I remember Amtrak back in the 1980's, the transcontinental lines staffers were GREAT and they would even serve complimentary wine and cheese to sleeping car passengers. Now? Omg it is a mess.
@christianfreedom-seeker2025 I didn’t exist in the 1980’s.
@coocoodog1232 Amtrak was established in 1971.
Holy I never thought I’d hear my hometown of Kalispell Montana randomly pop up in a train video - so glad you found it as stunning as it is
I stopped in your town when I was there in September! We got in at 9pm and it was a beautiful tranquil place--felt like the world stopped
That’s cool, I’ve been to Kalispell before. There’s a really good church there called Faith Baptist Church. I highly recommend it.
You don't understand pain until you have riden in a Greyhound bus across country.
I think one major reason why train travel in the US sucks is that freight is always given priority because the infrastructure is not government owned. In Europe passenger rail gets the priority almost always. Freight companies can just tell passenger trains to stop whenever they want and those unexpected delays mess up everything.
Amtrak, by law, is actually given priority. However, because of how long our freight trains are, they can't fit into the siding so the Amtrak train has to wait in the siding instead.
In Europe we prioritise the passenger trains, and travel is generally cheap (Except of UK where the train service is very expensive, neglected, and privately owned).
@AeronauticalEnthusiast Also the agencies that are supposed to _enforce_ that law always let the freight companies get away with it.
@AeronauticalEnthusiast sounds like the freight trains are too long and they need to shorten them then
the us should sue the pants off those companies
What exactly you think is in those trains lol. It would hurt our economy why would we do that @PurpleYoshiEgg
Napoleon dynamite was on your train lol
What time in the video?
@Chemazing-8m9:56
Poor bastard sounds like he despises everything and everyone around him
@VHFonFirehuh
12:21
To go from NYC to Bellingham, Washington costs $4800.00 per person for the cheapest roomette and the ride take 81 hours in ideal circumstances. I wonder why people are not lining up to take the train.
Thats why I fly. It's too bad. I always wanted to take the train.
A transcontinental trip is a bit ridiculous for the train no? But the train is perfect for more shorter trips, like NYC to Maine or DC to Atlanta.
@wansui_chudlife not even it’s still expensive
😂😂
@namedate3437 I think a lot of people would pay slightly more if it means not dealing with TSA and other complications that come with flying.
The answer to the opening question: Yes, especially if it is underfunded and under utilized to prioritize cars and air travel… and if it’s privatized.
10:17 subscribing
Gene where are you
We love you Gene!
Gene !!!
Same
❤❤
Dude at 10:00 - Napoleon Dynamite, is that you??
LOL that was my first thought
As a European, it's so bizarre that this is your first experience on a train.
No really, America is a massive country, so traveling with automobiles is more efficient. We have 1000s of miles of empty land. Lots of trains in the congested populated areas like the NE, Bay Area, Chicago. Check out on Google maps how massive America is. All of Europe could fit in our borders with room left over.
Yeah, the US Amtrak system is not that good, and expensive compared to European train systems.
America’s cities are so far apart that planes are much more efficient. For intracity travel, our cities are not dense enough to justify trains.
@matthew8153It’s less that, and more so 7 decades of chronic underfunding and political lobbying by the auto industry.
If we had bullet trains the same as China, Japan, or even TGV France, anything but the longest trips (NYC-LA) would become faster and cheaper with trains.
No long security lines, no weather delays, no checking your bags an hour before the flight, no waiting for an hour for them to come off the baggage carousel. Not to mention cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
It could be beautiful.
@matthew8153 Americans always giving excuse for the way things are. Gotta defend the shitty status quo.
Man... Alaskan here! It's so awesome to see y'all enjoy the ferry. I remember the amount of times I'd take the Columbia for school trips, I've slept all over the place in that building, from the lounge, to the theater to the observation deck. I'm glad you enjoyed your time!
The Train rides sound brutal but also awesome. I'm glad you had an excellent journey!
Sleeping in a room on Amtrak is some of the best sleep I've ever had, being rocked by a giant powerful machine all night is so relaxing.
The worst part about all of this to me is that most of this wasn’t directly Amtrak’s fault. They’ve been having a streak of bad luck lately and it’s only getting worse.
Sure you could kind of blame them for the first fire, but everything else was out of their control. Most delays I’ve seen are caused by other companies’ freight trains. As for equipment failures, their older trains are dropping like flies left and right, and the new trains they’ve ordered are either still in production or unreliable beyond belief, which is on the manufacturer more than anything.
I use to ride amtrak from Texas to New Orleans and the second we hit New Orleans we would be stuck an extra hour. It was because of all the freight traffic it had to wait on
How was the fire in the dining car not Amtrak's fault?
How was the gross burger with hair in it not Amtrak's fault?
I’ll concede that saying almost all of it wasn’t their fault was a stretch, and I did say that the first fire was kind of their fault (likely poor maintenance coupled to the fact that their old equipment is becoming unreliable while it’s taking forever for the new stuff to arrive), and you should blame them for the hair in the burger too (I honestly forgot about that part, so that’s an oopsie daisy on my part). The second fire was because of somebody (most likely a passenger) not taking the tin foil off of their meal in the microwave, so that wasn’t directly Amtrak’s fault.
ruclips.net/video/hCBI3lPt3o4/video.html
This is a really interesting video on why our cargo network secretly sucks
1. "most of this was directly Amtrak’s fault"
2. (one thing, maybe), "but everything else was out of their control."
Fix your comment.
as someone from kalispell montana, i’m so happy you got to go, despite the unfortunate circumstances!!! GNP is so beautiful this time of year, i’m happy my small town got a shout out! 💗
Looked nice. Makes me want to visit. Is it too hot during the middle of summer?
Is Kalispell one of those charming American small towns?
Can me and all of my YN friends come raise the crime rate?
Took almost this exact ride when moving from Florida to Seattle. Didn't have a room, just a seat in the main area. 5 days with a meager budget and a box of cliff bars. I stank like hell but it was some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen, I also did not poop for like 4 days.
Jon, you sound awesome.
You must have been in some real dire financial straits. Did flying by plane really cost less than traveling by train?
@AnotherRUclipsr-yt6vf I was moving cross-country, trains are very cheap for that.
Your name is Jon but you couldn’t use the john
Amtrak does have toliets
9:55 bro is absolutely EXHAUSTED. Dude's probably been working non-stop for at least 7 days straight for that level of exhaustion.
Honestly thought bro was special needs
I dont think so, he looks too clean for that. He looks more like a special kind of person if you know what I mean.
fun fact you can just say disabled!
@jordanvdarkI could also say a retarded extra chromosome having mongoloid, but to me he was just a special kind of person
Plot twist: You never made it to Alaska because you're still stuck on the train in the Appalachian Mountains having a nightmare.
"america's worst train" the first class in romania doesn't even have a working AC...
Imagine showering during a train derailment and now you’re naked trying to survive
one thing alot of people dont know is passenger trains are supposed to have priority on the rail lines due to some contract with the government or something, but nobody cares so the freight companies are given priority because freight makes more money.
Amtrak is often the cause of their own delays. This video showed multiple examples of that. Freight railroads cannot hold their trains forever waiting for Amtrak to show up whenever it feels like.
Nobody enforces it, probably because the freight RRs are making money, so can pay bribes to congress. AMTRAK is losing money, even at the outrageous fares they charge, due to being effectively run by those same government officials.
@user-mb4vm3tf9v BNSF does a pretty good job with Amtrak. But lately, it's often Amtrak's failing equipment (especially locomotives) that are the cause of many delays.
I will not complain about 15 min train delays here in Belgium 😭
If I left all of my devices at home for a 7 day trip and someone recommended a mobile game I would honestly crash out.
despite being titled 'americas worst rated train' this honestly kind of inspires me to try out more train travel. the staff being very candid about delays and happy to chat, and the friendly atmosphere between travellers seems like it makes up for the bad parts tbh.
I took a greyhound from Montana to Florida twice. It's was amazing despite the cramped bus conditions. Seeing the country from the ground was really neat. You leave this grey and white hellscape and watch the colors slowly turn into blue and green as you get closer to the coast. When you're making that final 3 hour trek and you're able to see the ocean before reaching your home makes everything in your life seem doable bc you realize if u are fine riding in a greyhound bus across the country nothing seems too bad.
9:59 I was wondering where Napoleon dynamite worked after high school
Amtrak will always have a special place in my heart. I made the choice to move to a city I never set foot in before after living in NYC for 8 years. I needed a change. I said yes to a three month sublet, put the bulk of my stuff in storage and hopped on a 9 hour train to Pittsburgh. It was terrifying and beautiful. The conductor singing the theme song to Mister Rogers neighborhood put me at ease as we pulled into Pittsburgh. Two years later I'm still living here and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made
Pittsburgh is incredible, glad you're here.
The train system in this country is such an embarrassment.
Kinda wish I was invited honestly
hey better not forget me I’ll get jealous
I should’ve invited u!!!!
Bowles I got a question if u could be a astronaut but trapped for 3 months in a ur ship but u get 100 thousand dollars would u take the deal
@TonioGuajardoAhahaha I love your content Tonio I really appreciate what ur doing it is amazing ❤
Va
"What are you, a glutton for punishment?" Lol!
I took the train across Canada by train coast to coast, in coach (NO BED), and I can confirm this is true. A beautiful way to travel. A punishing way to travel. We had to yield to freight trains sometimes for hours waiting doing nothing. We were over 24 hours late on the return trip due to freight trains and forest fires. I made new friends. I put my feet in the atlantic ocean.
Trip of a lifetime, regardless of the delays.
My brother did that years ago in Canada but I think it was a special trip booked through a travel agency. He said it was beautiful.
Great video. 🎉
Appalachia did have a (deadly) flash flood. Very very fast. Literally swept people away and they drowned. While it may have been an inconvenience, you were safe and that’s a good thing 👍👍
That transition was hilarious, you being delayed gets to see a national park meanwhile "i wonder what Gabe is doing" 😂😂😂 nothing ,brushing his teeth on the train you were soppose to be on. ❤ hilarious and to the man that prayed the whole way. My kinda seat partner! Legend for sure. ❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂
I often times take short trips from northern CT to Southern CT and I can tell you Amtrak delays are common as all hell even for short trips but you will never bond more with strangers then when your stuck on a platform or a train in the middle of who knows where.
Frustrating times but fun times too.
also thanks for not just trashing on Amtrak as bad as it is most videos talk about it with a level of resentment that you would think the trains did something to them personally.
17:10 As a Railfan, I couldn’t help but to point out the second locomotive, Amtrak 164, is the Phase-IV heritage locomotive
I was about to say that but you beat me
I was about to say that to but you beat me to
Didn’t 164 get repainted
@Highironeditingthat was 184, 164 is the replacement one
@RailfanMichaelR.3103ok just needed a check on that one
I’ve taken a few trains in my life, and it’s usually one of the most relaxing experiences 😭😭 from being so used to planes being so cramped, I loooove train travel
I went to college in Boston, and im from Philadelphia. It became much more peaceful and cheaper to take Amtrak! Lovely leg room and outlets before it was standard on planes.
@Dr_Mantis_TobogganI worked as a travel nurse for 8 years. When I was on the East coast, I took Amtrak to go home and visit family, get to new assignments, and one time took it from New Haven , CT to Philly , got fingerprints done (requirement to work in PA, even though it’s my home state, had an awesome hoagie, then jumped back on the train and went back to CT! I love the train ,unless they didn’t have a quiet car or business class.
the guy praying is totally me. You need to pray when you fly a Boeing 🤣
I'm a train enthusiast from Indonesia and I love Amtrak! I have travelled from New York to LA, from Seattle to Texas and New Orleans, with Chicago as the main hub for most trains. All on coach class haha as the sleeping rooms are too expensive for me. The downside for me are only the delays and the not so comfortable seats, but the views are so worth it which we will never experience on the plane. Best scenic train is definitely the California Zephyr, and the crews are awesome too. I have also tried long distance trains in other countries (Trans Siberia, Tren Patagonia, DB, Shinkansen, etc) but Amtrak is special because of the scenery.
Kenapa nda bikin videonya pak? Pasti akan sangat menarik tuh.. 😊
I agree with them^^^^
I'd love to see your adventures. Also, thanks for calling out the Zephyr. Being from California, it made me proud.
Pulang bang negara kita kocar kacir 😭
@FloppyhatCult 🫢💔
I took the Amtrak from Ventura county to Portland. It was so beautiful. Stayed in Portland a few days then back on the train to Seattle. It was so fun unfortunately I fell asleep from Portland to Seattle tho 😂
This is so bizzare. In central europe, trains are basically a no-brainer for
I have rode trains in Russia, you can get like 1 hour delay, maybe 2, 3 if it's some disaster, but 16 hours delay?!?!?! Like what are you doing, USA???
As someone who grew up in NYC and also has flying anxiety, I'm always down for a good train trip. I tend to relax, write, read on trains better than anywhere else. I recently took a train from LA up to Portland to visit a friend for the first time and it was wonderful watching the scenery change to snow. You also meet the most interesting and weird folks on a train, especially the elderly ones who are expert train travelers. They rule.
Yes!! From nyc also. Introvert here 🙋🏻♀️ my first solo trip was cross-country on the California Zephyr. Beautiful and scenic
I'm in the same boat where my options for travel are this or driving. Amtrak is great, but you pretty much NEED a sleeper room for cross-country trips. Provided you have that, you get to enjoy a perfect, private view out the window, three hot meals a day (hit or miss, but if everything goes right the menu is quite large), and a relatively peaceful sleeping atmosphere.
Those trains also BLAST the ac 24/7 so if you run hot like me it's a perfect temperature.
@professornuub didn't have a sleeper on the Zephyr. The seats were plenty spacious. They're meant to be because they're long distance. Everyone was spread throughout and not near each other and I spent a lot of time reading on the floor to ceiling observation deck
Portland Oregon or Maine? Born and raised NYC
@HouseOnTwitch Portland, Oregon! (I didn't even know there was a Portland in Maine, lol)
american train system is so fucked that he had to get on two planes and rent a car in order to complete his amtrak journey
0:18 so the train travels on the water? 😂🤣
are you stupid…
Train on the water! Boat on a track!
@Smokie1523sick reference dude
Are you deaduzz
Yeh bih
7:03 Gene disappeared like a fart in the wind 😂😂😂
dude thats gotta be awesome to go to sleep, wake up, and see all new scenery outside
despite all the delays looks insanely fun to be on, wish we had some bullet train system here in america
For that a different gauge track would be needed and different technology for the trains themselves. And I wonder what the fares would be.
Trains in Germany are infamous for delays and cancellations, but someone told me Amtrak is worse, and you've proven it's true. I have been on Amtrak a few times, but only short distance journeys, so didn't know it could get this bad. Very clever to catch up by flying, I'm glad youmade it in the end.
It depends.
In europe trains are always late but they are like 40 mins late, not 8 hours standing still late
Train in the US can have 14 Hour Delay but Train in germany can just say this train will only go to this random fuckass town you’re on your own good luck getting where you want
As a railfan myself, I can definitely say Amtrak 40 (the train you rode on, Tonio) is a train that seems to be always delayed, along with the counterpart 41, whether it's half an hour to 14 hours late. It's usually around the southeast between florida and Washington D.C where it has the most trouble. I'm able to track these Amtrak trains and can catch them out along the rails. I can say that 40 has been the most seen in the past couple months since it was combined with 2 other Amtrak train symbols to become the 40 it is today
Wait, what do you use to track the trains? I know you can pull up active train statuses (and their fixed schedules) via the Amtrak app, but it’s only useful if you have a specific train in mind.
@keenlybee7669 Google "Intercity Rail Map." It's the best tracking site for Amtrak. It shows in an instant which trains are late and they are color coded by degree of lateness. It also tracks Via trains in Canada.
@keenlybee7669 I use what's called Intercity Rail Map. Look it up, and you can see both VIA trains and Amtrak trains
@keenlybee7669 I use what's called Intercity Rail map
(I don't know why my replies are getting deleted, though)
@keenlybee7669 I use Intercity Rail Map. It's great dor tracking both Amtrak amd Via rail trains.
(RUclips, I have no clue why my replies keep deleteing, but if this could stop, that'd be great)
Now do this but with Greyhound
Bro I did a greyhound from Miami to Eugene Oregon before and talk about an insane experience lol
I love how this guy is faking anxiety for potentially missing a train ride when he has no where to be
lol the whole cafe car cheering about just going again to get to chicago had me laughing
What a nightmare. I think the train is relaxing but go on it to relax and not with a timeframe or you’re bound to fail.
A relaxed time frame maybe. In America (or anywhere with iffy trains).
Really sucks train travel is so bad in the USA. It used to be considered a luxury but ever since we got so car cultured and Amtrak has to wait on freight trains owned by private companies it just isn’t what it used to be.
Thumbnail: It took me 167 hours to get from Miami to Alaska! Me: That’s about right
1:29 took me out 😭😭
Lol
“Babe I made it to Alaska.”
“No way”
Was he supposed to not make it?? 😂
The video is fake, you can only get as far as the peninsula by ferry but you can't get to the mainland, they stopped running that ferry several years ago.
they could never make me hate u amtrak ❤
Who's going to deliver him the bad news that the entire third leg of his trip was on a boat, not a train.
I love trains and genuinely wish the US would put more money into our rail system!
Also, was unaware West Virginia became Maryland 😂 13:36
I have a special spot in my heart for Amtrak. I’ve been on once and it was so much fun. I’m from SoCal and we have Amtrak and metrolink there and I think the US needs to invest more in its train systems again. Such a beautiful way to travel. Great job Tonio! ❤
I've taken Amtrak from OC down to San Diego many times, great experience.
@jdogg_1228 the bad experiences seems to pop up when you are doing cross country
15:41 Is that a holy father blessing the flight??!
Hahah good catch
The only way to travel in America is to drive. Sure, it's not the fastest, but you're in control, you make your own stops, and you can see anything you want!
Hey Tonio, it was nice sharing the those few days on the train to seattle. Love the video, it turned out well.
That trip was amazing, thanks for watching!
What can i say.. the feeling I got when you and your friend arrived in Alaska safe and sound - was just pure joy and happiness. Me and my partner have took Amtrak everywhere due to his PTSD in flying in Cargo Planes in the Air Force and I must say it has been a game changer for us. From making memories, meeting nice people along the way and just enjoying our time together - it makes it worthwhile and a unforgettable experience. Our next destination is Alaska. Thanks for the video and keep on traveling!
Honestly love traveling Amtrak and it's hard to explain why. If you're not in a huge rush it's so much more relaxing than flying, you got plenty of room, and most of the people I've sat next to in coach are super friendly. It helps that you're not constantly competing to sit comfortably like on a plane. I wish Amtrak was more efficient, but it is what it is. It's definitely a nice way to see the country though.
I hope Gene gets to see this video and see how much he's loved
Not gonna lie... A person that havent been on a train like me, would enjoy much more with those delays and a little more sight seing around 😂... Its like maximizing my payment in the train.
I'm from Montana (happy you got to see Glacier, Tonio!) & love the Amtrak. My family used to take the train pretty often when my siblings & I were young to see my dad's side of the family. Now, I take my son on quick Amtrak trips every so often.
Awwwee I got so emotional when you were able to experience and appreciate how beautiful my state is. Washington really does have it all ❤
Wonderful video per usual!
My jaw dropped when a grown man hadn't taken a train before. Not saying he's at fault, it's just such an integral part of life in less car-infested places.