Rail: The Other Blue Highway

Years ago, my family made an Amtrak trip to Chicago for the grand tour: Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute, Field Museum and a Cubs game, completed with a return ride on the El.

We took the train there for our kid and had plane reservations back to Minneapolis so we wouldn't have to endure the return trip. Funny thing, though. Once in Chicago, we cancelled the plane ticket and booked a return on Amtrak. It was that pleasant.

Based on that trip, plus childhood memories of riding with my grandmother on my grandad's lifetime rail pass, I'd vote for ongoing subsidy of Amtrak. But the boys who fly private jets and Air Force One don't see it that way.

See cleversponge for what's going on with the national rail service.