Train Travel Is A Convenient, Affordable And An Amazing Experience

500 years ago, a system with man or horse power and rails of wood or stone has given rise to the modern rail transport systems, which first appeared in England in the 1820s. These systems, were the first practical forms of mechanized land transport, and they maintained their primary form for the next 100 years. There is an interesting story about its beginning. In 1812, Oliver Evans, a United States engineer and inventor, published his vision of what steam railway, greatly reducing the time required for personal travel and for transport of goods. As said that all good things have started with obstacles, conditions in the infant United States did not enable his vision to take hold. 1830s-1860s saw enormous railway building booms in the United States of America. In the year 1853, Indianapolis Union Station, became the first "Union Station" in the world, opened by the Terre Haute & Richmond, Madison & Indianapolis, and Bellefontaine railroads.

Train travel: We all will agree to the fact that traveling by train is a cultural experience. While the train does get you from one place to another, it will also enrich the travel experience. We learn so much from locals about the place and culture, their views on socio-economic problems and make so many new friends on the way. We get time to reflect, honestly it has been my favorite pass time to look into the oblivion and get lost in my thoughts. Wherever one has to go, I will suggest taking the train because it is not only about the destination, rather it is the journey itself that makes it more fulfilling. In most major stations, you will find: information desks, reservation office, restroom, luggage carts, ATMs, restaurants, taxi stands, lockers, telephone, postal services etc. Today's modern amenities make it even more convenient and an amazing experience. Traveling by train is one of the safest ways to travel in the U.S. Amtrak trains have one of the most advanced technologies in the world and are handled by well-trained expert technicians and engineers.

Train tickets: In the United States, the train vacation options are limitless. The Amtrak is the largest train network. Amtrak trains connect all the major cities and sightseeing sites and many small towns in between. It is always advisable to book your ticket well in advance. There's a toll-free number to make reservations and you can collect your tickets at any station or have them sent to you by mail. If you are planning to travel, I am sure you would not like to miss the picturesque view of the wonderland, with its distinct personality.

Train fares: Cheap train tickets or reduced rates are available for students and seniors and visitors from overseas benefit from a range of passes that must be among the world's great travel bargains. Rail Pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. One may start his/her travel anytime during that period. There is no penalty for changing your travel plans. Traveling by train is very flexible; all you have to do is to get a new ticket for a different train at no additional charge. Many travelers think that it is better to fly, however in reality, it is not. There is less waiting in line at the train station compared to airports. Also, train travel does not require you to be at the station hours in advance of the departure time like the airlines do. And importantly if we consider the non-flying time, check-in line, security and other factors that could delay the flight, the time would be roughly the same with added benefits as mentioned earlier.

U.S. Class I Railroads are line haul freight railroads with 2005 operating revenue in excess of $319.3 million. As per the association rail roads - policy & economics dept in the year 2006, number of employees are 167,581, average wages are $68,141, average total compensation including benefits is $94,607 and finally the net income $6.5 Billion. Someone has rightly said people who don't travel read only one page of life and I would like to add, that people who don't travel by train miss many pages of this book called 'life'.