The Essentials

How Amtrak Trains Have Changed

I remain a huge proponent of train travel, but Amtrak is still having problems making money.

 

On long-haul routes, Amtrak has now begun jettisoning its dining cars, one of the oldest traditions of the American railroad.

 

And sleeper cars on some unprofitable routes may be next to go. Amtrak is also considering ending a number of long-haul train routes, replacing them with bus services between a number of cities.

 

And the days of booking a discount ticket in advance and then still having the option of changing the dates without penalty are now over. So if you want to take a long train trip across America, dine and sleep lying down, you might want to consider doing it soon.