Why High-Speed Rail Travel from New York City to LA is Gaining Popularity

A recent social media post by user "trollprincess" has sparked a lively discussion about the potential of high-speed rail travel in the United States. The post, which features a quote in black text on a white background, begins with a skeptical remark: “Nobody’s going to want to sit on high-speed rail for fifteen hours to get from New York City to LA.”

Contrary to the quote, "trollprincess" passionately argues for the joys of a long train journey. "Me. I will sit on high-speed rail for fifteen hours. I’ll sit on it for days," the user writes. The post goes on to describe the pleasures of writing, reading, napping, eating, and enjoying the scenic views of America from ground level. The user highlights the beauty of seeing the Rockies, deserts, cornfields, and the Mississippi River, all without the stress of driving or flying.

The comments section reveals a strong support for rail travel, with many users sharing their own positive experiences. One user, identifying as Finnish, notes, "I have literally never been unhappy while on a train going somewhere." Another user shares, "Traveling by train is such a great experience," while yet another says, "I will absolutely sit on any train for anything up to three days to avoid an airplane trip."

The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of rail travel. One user calculates the distance between LA and NY as 2451 miles, estimating an average speed of 163.4mph for a 15-hour journey. Another commenter points out that the overall travel time for a 6-hour flight from NY to LA can extend to 10-12 hours when factoring in traffic, parking, TSA, and airport waiting times.

The appeal of rail travel is further emphasized by a user who says, "Better 15 hours on a train than 6 hours on a plane. No one rummages through your luggage, you can keep all your belongings with you, bring your own food and drinks, walk around the train if you get bored, and hang out in the on-board bistro."

Several comments suggest that a sleeper service with meal and sleep cars would make the 15-hour journey even more enjoyable. "Do a sleeper service. You get on the train, have dinner, go to bed, wake up, clean yourself up a bit, you're there. Way more comfortable than flying," one user advises.

The conversation also highlights the high cost of train travel in the US compared to other countries. A user shares their experience of a round trip from Seattle to Kansas City costing around $700 by flight but a staggering $4,900 by Amtrak for the cheapest roomette option.

Despite the current challenges, there's a strong sentiment that America should invest in a more efficient and affordable rail network. "It works in every other country, I think America should be able to come up with a working train network," one user comments.

In summary, the enthusiasm for high-speed rail travel from New York City to LA is evident in the passionate responses to "trollprincess’s" post. The allure of scenic views, the comfort of train travel, and the potential to avoid the hassles of air travel make a compelling case for high-speed rail as a viable and enjoyable option for cross-country journeys.