Train Travel Increases As Gas Prices Rise

by WESH.com

As gas prices continue to rise, trains are gaining in popularity for travelers.

Amtrak has had a surge in popularity. Business is up 11 percent nationally for the company. Train travel between Miami and New York has gone up 8 percent.

The Wallace family took the eight-hour train trip from Connecticut to Orlando for a dance competition.

Priscilla Wallace said she thinks they saved about $2,000 total by taking a train instead of a plane.

Craig Summers and his son took a quick trip to Universal Studios from Hollywood, Fla.

"We didn’t want to mess with the airport, all the waiting times. There are no waiting times for this, no luggage restrictions, nobody checking your bags," Summers said.

Customers welcome the savings, but there is a common complaint.

"It took eight hours to get from Hollywood Florida to here. It’s 147 miles and it took eight hours," Summers said.

The Wallace family had the same complaint.

“Flying only took three hours, and I think that’s the route we will go again,” Wallace said.

Train travel usually does take more time than flying and it is not always cheaper.

A one-way Amtrak ticket from Orlando to New York costs around $148.

Wallace said the savings were not worth eight hours of trying to entertain her grandchildren.

"I’m pretty sure we won’t do this again," Wallace said.