ShonTron
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Don't forget Amtrak runs highish-speed* trains that are popular and reliable in the BosWash corridor (Northeast Regional/Acela and Keystone and Empire Services), a useful regional network out of Chicago and lots of long-distance trains.
The difference between Amtrak and VIA is that most long-distance trains are still daily and are more useful for people who live along the line. Amtrak is better funded as well. Yes, there are sleeper trains (I've been on two: the Empire Builder and The City of New Orleans) but it's a bit more basic level of service (though great nevertheless) with modern equipment compared to VIA's 1950s cars. VIA now runs 2 or 3 times a week on its long-distance trains, they have to market to tourists to survive.
Blame Mulroney, Chretien (but more so Paul Martin, he hated VIA Rail) and Harper for starving the beast.
The difference between Amtrak and VIA is that most long-distance trains are still daily and are more useful for people who live along the line. Amtrak is better funded as well. Yes, there are sleeper trains (I've been on two: the Empire Builder and The City of New Orleans) but it's a bit more basic level of service (though great nevertheless) with modern equipment compared to VIA's 1950s cars. VIA now runs 2 or 3 times a week on its long-distance trains, they have to market to tourists to survive.
Blame Mulroney, Chretien (but more so Paul Martin, he hated VIA Rail) and Harper for starving the beast.