In a previous post, I pointed out some of the challenges that bicyclists face when using Amtrak. Motorists, on the other hand, seem to get a much better shake from the government-managed corporation.
While only a handful of trains have roll-in service for a small number of bikes, Amtrak has turned an entire train over to automobiles.
The aptly named Auto Train takes passengers and their cars from Lorton, Va. to Sanford, Fla. "Bring it with you," the Auto Train web page exclaims. " While you and your family travel in comfort, your vehicle rides along in an enclosed auto carrier. And now, our auto carriers offer even greater capacity to better accommodate your SUV or van." Amtrak even has a new partnership that opens the Auto Car up to motorcycles, too, at certain times.
Why bend over backward to accommodate motorists while leaving cyclists to fend for themselves? Unsurprisingly, money seems to be the answer. A look at a 2009 Amtrak business plan shows that the Auto Train ticket revenue was very near the top of the heap in a recent annual budget report. The Auto train brought in some $60 million in unadjusted revenue -- second only to the Empire Builder, a far longer route that brought in $62 million.
Comments
Seriously Guy, you act as though Amtrak is personally
snubbing people who ride bicycles. Amtrak gives bicyclists
many options. You just choose to complain about the courtesy
that is provided for you.
Why don't you also write an article about the BUS system, and
why they don't have a roll on service, or airplanes, and don't forget
about Taxi's.
Should coorporations bend over backwards to accomidate such a
sparce group?
Should Amtrak take away baggage storage areas and inconvience
the 98% of travelers who NEED those areas for their luggage?
Just because there MIGHT be a person with a bicycle who feels
they are priveleged and don't have to box their bicycle up?
I see what you are going for-this is a typical case of entitlement.
You believe that you are better than others and that the needs
of the many should bend for the few.
My friend you are wrong, The needs of the many ALWAYS
outweigh the needs of the few!
And to clarify-bicyclists are the few!
We shall
byeloo.com -->> best search ever
I agree with Amtrak Conductor.. Seriously dude.
Cars are a better revenue source, of course they are going to go that way.
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