On a Sunday night, nearly 50 passengers, carting luggage, briefcases, and bicycles, stood in line to board the Texas Eagle, Amtrak’s train running from Chicago to San Antonio. The rail makes just one round trip a day from Austin to San Antonio, leaving San Antonio early in the morning and returning late at night.
On the train, most of the seats were full. Sleeping passengers stretched out across benches, many of whom had been traveling for days, from Chicago or St. Louis. In the dining car, fitted with tables, benches, and a bar, the energy was high. One woman, visiting Austin from Philadelphia, said she was shocked at the inefficient system. In Philadelphia, she said, people commute into New York City every day on the train. Another nearby passenger was similarly disappointed by her commute; she lives in San Antonio for a more affordable cost of living, but goes to school in Austin.
But for many, the Texas Eagle doesn’t provide reliable commuter service. Its timing is inconvenient at best for day-trippers, and it runs on time a mere 56% of the time. And yet, it’s the only train connecting two of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas…