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Since the inception of this web site, I have received
many emails from readers, all very positive. Thank you.
The future of passenger rail travel in the United
States is, as always, precarious. However, Amtrak continues to see
a steady increase in riders, particularly on its Acela Express and
other regional lines. All of us who support Amtrak and VIA Rail
must be aware of opportunities that we have to convey our support
for passenger rail in the U.S. and Canada, and that includes other
forms of recreational rail travel. What follows are just a few suggestions
of how we might show that support.
Support Dinner Trains
Every traveler who experiences an enjoyable train
trip, whether that trip was a three hour dinner train trip, a three
day cross country trip, or a six day trip through Mexico's Copper
Canyon, is a potential train travel advocate. In addition, dinner
train owners rescue and restore abandoned rail stock, and allow
future generations to utilize and enjoy these classic railcars.
Visit Rail Museums and Historic Stations
It is very important to preserve North America's
railroad past. Only if we understand our past can we begin to understand
the unlimited future of rail travel. Visit the Railroad
Station Historical Society for locations of historic stations.
Consider a Rail Tour
It is often very difficult to plan and organize
a rail trip with timely connections, convenient lodging and the
flexibility to handle delays. However, a rail tour offers timely,
guaranteed connections as well as accessibility to accommodations
that are often difficult for the independent traveler to book. Likewise,
rail tours often travel to places that regular passenger trains
do not regularly go to, or offer special onboard accommodations.
Peruse the descriptions of trips offered by the Rail
Travel Center, Trains
Unlimited or the American
Orient Express, and you will see the wide variety of destinations,
onboard accommodations and interesting themes that these rail packages
offers.
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