Today is National Train Day in the United States. So, is it a national holiday? No it isn’t but maybe it should be.
National Train Day originated by Amtrak in 2008 as a what I would consider a marketing campaign. With the declaration they opened their depots, encouraged people to ride trains, and generally brought attention to train travel. In the end I’m certain Amtrak’s hope was more people would take the train thus leading to increased ridership which means more good things for them.
Since it is National “Train” Day, what about the rest of rail transportation outside of Amtrak’s intercity passenger travel? Where does rail transportation get public recognition for the sheer volume of raw materials and finished goods it hauls? Or the sheer numbers of commuters riding heavy rail, light rail, and other mass rail transit? Or the utility freight rail supplies through the transport of coal? How are the freight railroad’s needs communicated to the general public so they are not blindsided by requests for transportation dollars?
For me National Train Day could be an opportunity to whisper in the American public’s ear about these very issues. I think an organization like the Association of American Railroads has a golden opportunity to piggy back off what Amtrak started and raise awareness about the value railroading provides to this country (the AAR did issue a press release where two sentences are dedicated to this). My hope is each year National Train Day grows. Absolutely Amtrak should keep up what they are doing with it however I’d like to see it expand to other agencies from the AAR down to regional transit agencies so the value of all forms of rail transportation can be shared.
Happy National Train Day!
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