Boston to NYC by train has record passengers
Last year, Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express train carried a record 593,000 passengers from Boston to New York. An Amtrak rep says Acela’s market share on the busy route grew from 36 percent in 2006 to 41 percent last year.
Wired.com reports that things are looking up for Amtrak on the Boston to New York run:
…despite this stiff competition, Amtrak is gaining ground on the airlines. And when you break it down, the reasons are fairly obvious:
* The Acela is fast — Hop on the train at Boston’s South Station and you’ll find yourself pulling into New York Penn three and a half hours later. Sure, flight time on the route is just under an hour, but add transportation to and from the airport, security screening, and waiting on the runway, and you could be looking at four hours or more.
* You can get some work done — On the Acela, you can use your cellphone (and service is decent for most of the trip), there are power ports at every seat, and you can start up your laptop without waiting for a flight attendant to tell you that the use of approved electronic devices is now permitted.
* It’s cheaper — A roundtrip flight between NYC and Boston will run you between $350 to $425. The Acela will put you out $204, $325 if you upgrade to first class.
* You might actually get there on time — According to Amtrak, the Acela ran on time 73 percent of the time in 2007. Not great, but not horrible considering that Boston to LaGuardia flights scored a 67 percent on time record; Boston to JFK 61 percent; and Boston to Newark, a dismal 51 percent. If you’re flying to New York, make sure you bring a book. If you’re going to Newark, bring two.
* Tasty snacks — On the Acela, you have the option to scarf down braised short ribs with cheesy grits, four-cheese lasagna, pancakes or a variety of other culinary delights. The airlines certainly can’t compete with that (though you do get free booze on the shuttle).
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