I like to travel by train. 10 train trips in four countries in 17 days, however, can put the joy to the test. The trips spanned two continents and took place in the US, Spain, France and Germany.
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| Renfe Euromed engine Spain (Photo: Philipsen) |
Obviously, for a transportation guy it is tempting to make comparisons and draw conclusions, even if the sample is small in the universe of all trains travel in those countries.
So, right up front, in my unscientific view, the most advanced train travel happened in Spain, not in France or Germany, and, surprise! not in the US, either. Depending on one's worldview, Spain may be a surprise choice, especially considering Spain's status within the EU as one of the "PIGS states" (Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain) derogatively lumped together based on their state of public debt. Clearly, Spain has spent its public money on a beautiful train system in which trains run with Swiss precision, far from the "hasta manana" image or better, bias, which suggests a certain laisser-faire style.
The US: Amtrak
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| Amtrak Metroliner in Newark, NJ (Photo: Philipsen) |
The first of my train journeys began at the BWI train station, where there is still no decent taxi waiting, Uber drop off, or proper "kiss & ride" area. A new waiting room is more
.... Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects