Meanwhile in North America, Canada’s VIA is operating on a shoestring and being further threatened … and in the last 50 years the US has pulled up most of the rails that were installed in the previous century. We’re stuck with airplanes, hybrid metro-transit, and what’s left of Greyhound. But, hey, we’ve got a world to police!
As an American, I enjoyed partaking of the Wochenendticket and traveling across Germany way back when, traveling slowly, only on local routes, and always meeting new sketchy friends, but it was cheap and fun. Got back to the States, and fuck me for questioning the lack of sidewalks.
I’d not like to ride a communter, but long-distance rail has always been a pleasure. Even moreso when I knew something of the land and history that was passing by. Hitch-hiking is closer to the ground, but slower and much less rewarding … more like labor vs. a concert.
Especially rewarding when you’re free to get on-and-off when/where you want, and be welcomed back aboard when you’re ready to move further on!