[Novalug] OT: High speed passenger trains

[Stephan Greene]

Rail DCA-BOS is exacerbated by the poorer condition of the tracks between
New Haven and Providence and their alignment along the shore, resulting in
many at-grade crossings and lower speeds overall.  This was a problem back
in the 1970s (anyone remember the old Turbo Train?) and has not greatly
improved since.  I don't recall if Amtrak shares use of the New Haven-Boston
segment with freight lines (a problem on much of their track).

JF is spot-on about the need to compare times destination-destination.  When
I used to travel the Northeast corridor frequently, my break-point for train
vs fly was NYC, especially if I was going to Manhattan.

Another option - express bus.  MUCH cheaper than train, although you are at
risk for traffic on I-95.  The buses have wifi (OB Linux-related content:  I
would expect wifi access to be Linux-compatible or at least agnostic) and
while not quite as comfy as the train lack most of the annoyances and
hassles associated with "modern" air travel.  FYI, there are bus lines
departing from Rosslyn (at and a block from the metro station) and Bethesda
as well as downtown DC.

If you must fly and are not going someplace in/near Logan, consider the
satellite airports (Providence RI, Manchester NH).  These smaller airports
are much calmer than Logan and can almost make flying enjoyable again.  If
you are going someplace off Boston's 495 beltway, your total time (including
exiting the airport, getting a rental car, and driving) can be much better
than via Logan.  If your destination is someplace accessible by Boston's
"T", take the circulator bus from your terminal to the airport station and
Blue Line + whatever.

Steve

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Steve Greene  ks1g04 at gmail.com  <kay ess one gee zero four>@gmail.com
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