Great story on train travel

[battalion51]

I'm a big listener of Public Radio, and found this story on the Savvy Traveler's website about travelling on the Southwest Chief. If you are bored and have ten minutes check them out here.

 

[Amfleet]

There are only three trans-continental trains in the U.S

No, there is only one, the Sunset Limited. If the Southwest Chief and Empire Builder are considered trans-continental, what about the California Zephyr and all the other 15 long-distance trains that traverse the continent north, south, east, and west? Otherwise an interesting listen none the less and very pro Amtrak.

 

[railman]

Trains traveling from Chicago or St Louis to the Pacific Coast have traditionally been referred to as "transcontinental" trains, despite their midwestern terminals. Therefore, in the current Amtrak network, the Empire Builder, the Southwest Chief, the California Zephyr and the Sunset Limied/ Texas Eagle would be considered such.

 

[Bill Haithcoat]

Railman is correct. In long standing railroad usage, trains originating in St. Louis, Chicago (also New Orleans)to the west coast have always been labeled trascontinental, even though that is not geographically exact.

Of course in years past some number of them had through sleepers from New York and such to the West Coast. But even without that, they were labeled transcons.

Also the Canadian trains from Toronto and Montreal were considered trans-cons, without originating in Quebec or Halifax.