Quote Originally Posted by Jolt View Post
I'm surprised Amtrak hasn't started doing better now that flying has become more and more of a PITA...when you take the train you don't have to go through nearly the hassle you do at the airport, and the seating is much more comfortable/less cramped.
They are doing better!

A few days ago I read an article about this. In the most recent reporting interval (maybe fiscal year?), Amtrak had record ridership, ... and record losses. My take on the numbers reported is that fares only cover half the cost of the service.

When I rode it last XMas, I noticed that Amtrak varies fares just like airlines. Unfortunately, their website does not help balance ridership by promoting the cheaper days.

On my return trip, I noticed something strange: The train was supposedly sold out, all seats occupied. Instead it felt only about 2/3 full. I think Amtrak counts a pax riding Los Angeles to Sacramento and another one riding Portland to Seattle as taking up two seats for the entire trip from LA to Seattle.