For my trip down to SoCal for Christmas, I decided this year to take Amtrak rather than fly or drive, and I took some notes for anybody that cares.
7:50am
I arrive at the station, and after a brief moment where I think there is no parking, I find a spot right in front! I confirm that it is, in fact, okay to park there, free and indefinitely, and the station agent assures me that it is. I show my ID, get my tickets, and I'm ready to be on my way in about 30 minutes.
As I wait, I get the impression that there is just something so damn civilized about rail travel. While I realize that my impression may be due to a lack of security concerns, there is nonetheless something quite nice about not being harassed prior to boarding, and to not having to arrive 2 hours before departure only to sit in a soulless airport breathing recirculated air. While I wait for my train to arrive, I have the pleasure of sitting in a lovely train depot (which I believe was completely remodeled within the last 7 years or so), and the option of waiting outside in the fresh air if I so choose. The station guy actually bellows the names of the stations the incoming trains will be stopping at. People can accompany their loved ones to the train door, and greet them there upon return. Did I mention I parked right in front of the station for free and for an unlimited time? It is so much more people oriented. I don't know what the security answer is and how to take planes back to this golden age, but I am a fan.
8:20am
Our train is waiting for another train to finish disembarking so that it can pull into the station. It waits a moment longer so that a former passenger can cross the rails to run and get his jacket that he left on board. An extra 30 seconds for all who have to wait perhaps, but I would gladly give an additional 30 seconds of my life so a fella won't have to fret about losing his jacket on Christmas eve. All aboard!
8:30am
We finally depart, 11 minutes behind schedule. This is the real drawback of taking the train—time is a little bit fluid. I am scheduled to arrive in Bakersfield at 1:51pm, however I'm pretty sure we'll be a bit off. Freight has the right of way on the rails, which can throw Amtrak for a loop. (Hopefully this will change with high speed rail!!) I knew this going in, as this is my third trip to SoCal on the train, and as far as I'm concerned it still beats both driving and flying. I manage to share a table, supposedly reserved for groups of 3 or more, with a guy who has already plunked himself down here on his own, so obviously the conductor doesn't mind too much. I have an electrical outlet so I can use my computer all I want. Sadly, I forgot my crappy headphones at home so I can't listen to music, and the hotel game the roomies gave me probably has sound that I will miss out on as well. Good thing bro works at Circuit City and I have 2 books to read...and some sleep to catch up on.
10:20am
Modesto.
Sleeping with your head on the table is very comfortable. Until you wake up and try to move. To make up for it, we are treated to the entertainment of a guy who decides that now is a good time for a smoke break, which apparently we don't have time for, and the conductor announces to him (and us) that he is now “off the train.” Of course, he is already off the train, so presumably he attempts to get back on the train so as not to be permanently off the train, and he decides to bring along his cigarette. Apparently that's a violation of Amtrak rules and California laws, don'tcha know! Don't smoke kids, there really isn't any good to it. My fellow table-user/sleeper says that he's never been on a train that blew its whistle this much. I think its charming but ask me again in a couple hours.
11:50am
Fresno.
I've been to Fresno, and there's not a lot to love, but this approach is really not its best side! Poor Fresno! Table-mate is getting off here, but he tells me that he lives in Palo Alto without a car, and has considered renting a car, flying, and taking the train, and he thinks the train is just the best option. 3 times in the last 8 months and he takes CalTrain to SF, bus to Emeryville, then gets on Amtrak to Fresno. Quite a trip, and for him it still beats the faster but more carbon-intensive forms of travel!
2:00pm
Bakersfield.
I arrive in Bakersfield to make my transfer to a bus waiting to take passengers from our train directly to Union Station in LA. Not sure it could be any easier. Our trip over the Grapevine is cold, with snow on the low hills. There are few people on the bus, so no body heat to keep us warm, and the driver has to crank the heat so we can even see out the windows. The trip is smooth with just a little traffic at the end.
4:20pm
LA.
I've arrived! The station is beautiful. I've been here before but had forgotten how nice it is despite looking like there hasn't been a remodel in ages. Pickup from dad is smooth. No over-inflated-ego parking cops freaking out that dad pulled over and parked while I was still 15 yards away from the car, and nobody trying to rush us along even though we are moving quickly to begin with. All in all, really quite a nice way to travel. If you have the time, take the train any day over driving or flying!
