US railways stretch for 220 thousand km. The track gauge, as in Europe, is 1435 mm. The country's railway sector employs about 180 thousand people. In the United States, railways are private. There are approximately 600 carriers in this market segment, of which 8 are the largest. They account for over 60% of cargo transportation.
Specificity of railway communication
The country's railway enterprises set tariffs independently, focusing on demand and competition. Rail fares are regulated by a federal body, which is the Land Transport Council. The railways of the United States were originally owned by separate states. The beginning of the construction of railway tracks in this state is considered to be in 1827.
The railways of the United States are an extensive, but not overly dense network. It includes about 7 transcontinental highways that cross the country from west to east. Railway transport is based on cargo transportation. Long-distance passenger transportation is of great social importance, but it is considered unprofitable. These shipments are handled by the state corporation AMTRAC, which is supported by national funding. It is the only US corporation that specializes in long-distance rail passenger transportation. AMTRAC operates at least 265 trains per day. The company's train timetable is available on the website www.amtrak.com. Suburban passenger transportation is carried out by 19 railway companies.
Features of travel by train
Train tickets in the United States are expensive and differ little from airline tickets. Rail travel is preferred by people who are in no rush and love romance. Traveling by train suits those who want to get the most out of the country. A number of railway companies have launched vintage trains as exhibits for excursions. Tourist trips are offered by national carriers: National Rail pass, Amtrak, West Rail pass. They also handle high speed and freight transport.
The US transportation network can be seen on a rail map. This network does not cover all localities. In addition, flights to many cities are rare. At the same time, traveling by train in the USA is very pleasant. The railway personnel provide a decent quality of service. Passengers are not worried about the issues of rest and food. On the railway routes in the western part of the country, trains run in the form of double-decker superliners. They are equipped with dining cars, lounges and other amenities. Many of the country's trains attract tourists with their vintage designs. The trains of the national company Amtrak have such trains.
