America’s horrible trains mean you have no alternative to hourslong airport lines
Gothamist • • business
Key Points:
- U.S. airports are experiencing severe staff shortages causing long security lines, pushing travelers toward Amtrak despite its limited capacity and slow service.
- Unlike many other countries with decades of high-speed rail development, the U.S. lacks any true high-speed rail lines, with Amtrak’s fastest trains topping out at 160 mph and many routes slower than 60 years ago.
- High-speed rail in the U.S. could save time and improve the travel experience by connecting city centers directly, but federal policies limiting subsidies force Amtrak to charge high fares, making flying often more attractive despite airport hassles.
- Additional transit news includes plans to relocate Madison Square Garden to renovate Penn Station, ICE agents assisting TSA at NYC airports, expansion of modern subway fare gates, and ongoing Second Avenue subway and Prospect Park bike lane projects.
- The MTA is exploring new digital signage to inform riders about train car crowding to reduce platform congestion and speed boarding, addressing the common issue of passengers clustering near station entrances.
