jbwms: blog 
jbwms' blog
train ridership increases as gas prices skyrocket
Published May. 11, 2008Quick check on Google maps shows that DC is 276 miles from Raleigh and it will take ~4.5 hours to drive. Round trip is 552 miles. At 22 MPG that is about 25 gallons of gas = $95 at $3.80/gal. 2 adults and 2 children on Amtrak = $258 - and it takes ~6 hours. by the way, It looks like they don't charge for the kids. Gas has to be ~$10/gal before it 'saves' anything!
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Well we can keep ignoring our own resources and keep sending billions overseas. In the meantime, as you wait a decade or two for an actual viable alternative to roll out, you can enjoy paying ever higher fuel and food costs. I don't care how many people switch to higher mileage vehicles, at best that will keep our oil usage flat. Even if we had a viable alternate fuel source that requires a delivery infrastructure. These things will not happen for quite a while. In the meantime there is a lot we can do - coal gasification, additional drilling, set federal law to have one blend of gas for the entire country. This just takes the pressure off. Otherwise world demand for oil is going to continue upwards and so shall the price of gasoline and diesel. That will continue to drive all goods and services higher.
GOLO member since October 18, 2007
May 11, 2008 1:12 p.m.
The train though? Amtrak is sorta icky. They smell weird. Last one I took was from here to Philly and back. Even had a room, and didn't have to sit in the main compartment. We had a toilet, a sink and beds. No matter, I still didn't find it a comfy way to travel. Maybe if I was on a nicer train, and had one of the larger rooms, it'd be cool.
GOLO member since December 4, 2007
May 11, 2008 10:17 a.m.
We really do need both more fuel-efficient transportation AND alternative energy sources.
I don't want to drill up every last drop of oil in the world in the next 10 years just so I can drive a Hummer.
Geez.
GOLO member since December 4, 2007
May 11, 2008 10:14 a.m.
ONe thing about a car -- ever breakdown and have to use road service and garage 500 miles from home? Bummer. I carry my car title along with me. AAA is helpful when traveling. The AAA garage recommends might not be cheap, but they won't absolutely cheat you.
My last Amtrak ride was to Florida from Wilson at midnight, and people were stretched across our seats, passengers wouldn't move, had to get help getting seating, which was facing backward, and I was miserable when I got off in Ocala. It's better than the bus.
GOLO member since January 20, 2008
May 11, 2008 10:12 a.m.
GOLO member since October 18, 2007
May 11, 2008 9:29 a.m.
GOLO member since November 3, 2007
May 11, 2008 9:09 a.m.
GOLO member since February 17, 2008
May 11, 2008 9:07 a.m.
GOLO member since August 22, 2007
May 11, 2008 8:59 a.m.
GOLO member since February 17, 2008
May 11, 2008 8:43 a.m.
GOLO member since February 6, 2008
May 11, 2008 8:35 a.m.
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