Amtrak's LEAST POPULAR train! - Where does it GO?!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- What is Amtrak's LEAST popular train? You don't have to ride all of the Amtrak trains to find out...
Amtrak Ridership 2019: media.amtrak.com/wp-content/u...
Follow me on Instagram: @DownieLive
Want to dress like Mike? Here's the blue recycled wool shirt I always wear: anianmfg.com/collections/mens...
The hat has proceeds go to a counselling fund: wirthhats.com/collections/all...
Click the JOIN button to support the channel and watch the BONUS behind-the-scenes videos: / @downielive
0:00 - Which is Amtrak's LEAST POPULAR train?
2:10 - Leaving New York
3:40 - Why am I riding Amtrak's least popular train
5:33 - Albany New York
6:50 - Bathroom Tour!
7:30 - More New York
8:33 - Arriving in Vermont
11:13 - The Marble Mansion Inn
11:46 - Why we came to Vermont
Edited by @MattMort
Thumbnail by: Matt Mort
I would suggest that this is the least utilized train, and not necessarily the least popular one. A subtle, but distinct difference. I'd hop on that train if I lived in that part of the US! Lovely scenic route!
Yes, you are right. Consider the fact that the Ethan Allen covers only about two stops exclusively. Most of the other stops on the Ethan Allen are also covered by dozens of other NYC to Albany trains thus drawing ridership away from the Ethan Allen. You can check the Amtrak national timetable.
If I lived in NYC and baught a house in Rutland then I'd use that train once or twice a month
No, the problem is what happens when youn get off Amtrsk .
Except New York, SF, Boston, DC, and Chicago
Do not bring that stupid car rental or auto train.
Air planes did not kill Amtrak, the automobiles kill Amtrak.
Seriously, its not feasible to take train from LA to NY. Dont even bring bullet train idea.
Many people take cross Amtrak for fun. Seriously, how can train survive based on fun riders. Plenty people would love step outside . The tour buses can do that.
Its not fair to subsidize low number fun riders
Inter regional Amtrak makes more sense. I have no problems using my tax dollars supporting that. The problem is what happens after getting out dtations.
The fun riders have no problems asking tax payers to pay for their fun trips, but they have problems tax payer money paying local bus services.
Oh, they are drivers
Yes, automobile kill Amtrak
@@commentorsilensor3734 I don't ride Amtrak for fun. I use Amtrak to get to my destination. If an Amtrak trip happens to be fun then that is a plus. I used to fly because I thought it would be fun...flying was fun at first..but now it is a just a nightmare with all the delays and cancellations. About once a year I do ride Amtrak between NYC and LA to see family members. But most of the riders on the cross country trains are passengers who get on and off in between. Very few go from NYC to LA. I would say that on a cross country Amtrak about 90 percent are riders who get on and off in the Mid Western states where there is very little if any public transportation of any sort.
@@jackjules7552good thing, you ride for visiting. A lot prople ride for fun. I don't have statistic. Based on UA-cam, Yahoo discussion, various need, Amtrak AD, and my friendd, there are handful prople ride for fun. I want to ride Amtrak. The destination lacks of public transportation i am in LA. I wanted to ride Amtrak to visit relatives in Silicon Valley. No, there are no public transportation. I asked the relative options to pick me at airports or train station. The relative said just catch SW. That was because 6,7 hour delay. If thrre were viable public transportation, i would catch rail/busabd stop at nearest intersection n have the relative to pick me up. Too lazy to drag luggage. There are no. Asking relative, shuttle service, or uber, it makes snse to catch planed. Its faster.
Most people just ask for Amtrak but not for local public transportation. Believe, i have observed many people use Amtrak that don't drive.
The purpose of Public transit is transport people. Fun should be bonus but not primary readon.
Unfortunately news media n Amtrak keep using fun
.
Omg sibayo is such a sweet human! He just seems so lovely, pleasant and positive! Very refreshing to see especially in a younger person! Being 23 I have first hand experience at knowing a lot of young adults around my age can be rude, stick to themselves or not want to take up conversation with random people. Sibayo seemed joyed to meet a new person!
He really was a nice guy. I loved the term, serenity cultivation, that he mentioned.
✌🏻🙂✌🏻
agreed
So refreshing...
he's homosexual and probably does not use the pronouns "he/him"
He seems sweet! I hope they meet again!
Mike, here's a theory as to why the Ethan Allen might be Amtrak's least-ridden train. According to the 2020 US census, there are fewer residents in the whole state of Vermont (ranked 49th among the states) than in your city-proper of Vancouver. (And your metro area is more than 2 million.) Now add in the fact that Rutland (pop. about 15,000) is less than halfway up the length of the state, and that should be a good clue. The fact that Amtrak is planning to extend the route up to Burlington (the state's largest city) should make the Ethan Allen more popular.
It is packed during the Fall and ski season. It used to get alot of train tour groups.It is heavily subsidized. It is good to have a powerful senator I guess.
The train goes between NYC and Albany, however, which should make it pretty popular just for that. I can't believe they're all taking the Empire Service.
@@gravityissues5210 i think it comes down to when people want to leave the city, the EA only has what, one train a day and like just after midday?, so it limits its use for commuting. I've taken the route from SDY/ALB to NYC dozens of times and i think... its been a pretty rare thing that it fits my schedule, though it has happened more than once!
He didn't show maps (unless I missed them), but there's an Amtrak line (Vermonter) that goes up Vermont after going through Connecticut and Massachusetts. This Ethan Allen line is just a little weird as it goes through New York and takes the spur to Rutland, not connecting to the other Vermont line or the line to Montreal.
@@foxiepaws Right. This isn't a commuter line; maybe a NYC shopping line, or allows people from DC, MD, PA to take it if they get to NYC by 2PM?
I had such a great time on the Ethan Allen Express! I was lucky to do it in the autumn and it was spectacular 🤩 and yes, I had a hard time getting a taxi in Rutland too 😂
Your videos are always so brilliant Paul
Preach! Especially that 5:45 weekend train..... got into Rutland round 11pm. Was complete hell. Didn't get to my airbnb until the next morning.
Other than that (and it being extremely difficult to get around from where am at), it was pretty ok
Looks like someone in Rutland needs to start a taxi or Uber service.
I spent my childhood summers up on Lake George and when I was in adult regularly took the Amtrak to the Ticonderoga station! but taking a trip in the fall is definitely on my bucket list, I love riding Amtrak!
I’m going to Boston end of September and I want to take a train from there to New York -> Albany -> Boston. I’m just concerned about all these delays.
Historical note for Mike - Ethan Allen was also the leader of the Green Mountain Boys who fought against the British. The Vermont Air National Guard still uses that sobriquet of the Green Mountain Boys!
7th grade history time
And the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga were hauled overland by a bookseller named Henry Knox to Boston, where Washington used them to drive the British out of town. Knox went on to become the Continental Army's artillery expert and eventually had a fort named after him, which still exists.
Yep I live in Vermont and we do show a lot of pride to Ethan Allen in vermont
Vora for me it’s 5th grade history
W cate guess what yes they did haul the cannons to Boston but they also ambushed the British and said they should retreat becuz they have all the cannons but the cannons had no cannon balls but the British didn’t know that
I live walking distance from the northern most stop on the Vermonter. I can take the train to downtown NYC just by walking. I don't have to worry about parking or anything. Taking the train is the least stressful way to travel.
oh really. So do i. Its great living in Rail City.
I honestly *really* enjoyed this video. Not every video needs to be high energy excitement. I loved the more relaxed, peaceful feeling of this one.
I also got to see small towns and places I wouldn't by watching videos about more popular trains.
Thank you for making this video, I really enjoyed it. ♥
I really liked sibayo personality and friendly nature and yes I know it's highly unlikely but I wished sibayo popped up in some more of your videos😀
if they didnt exchange contacts (phone numbers, social accounts, etc) its unlikely
his name is spelled sabayo and he is my brother
@user-hi7ze7bs5w No way, really? Tell him I say hi!
As someone from the UK, I think this is still spectacular! It's all about seeing parts of the world you wouldn't normally see 🙂
I actually never rode on a train before until I visited the UK in early 2019. I was in London and wanted to visit Edinburgh and was talking to a friend on booking flights for Edinburgh. A local overheard and said it is better to just ride the train up there and very scenic. Next morning we took the train up and it was so magical. I felt like Harry Potter taking the train to Hogwarts haha. I was blown away with how fast they go and yet how smooth.
The only train I’ve taken in the US is from NJ into NYC as that is the easiest way for us to get their but those are pretty run down overall.
One of my dreams as I approach retirement, is to ride Amtrak, from neat little town, to neat little town, with all of those nice local hotels. Loved this one, the journey and the destination
Sounds like a perfect retirement
Don't wait. RIDE NOW! Take trips here / there. We do whenever we can...because we know we'll probably NEVER be able to 'retire'.
I also encourage you to start now! even just 5-6 hour rides are fun! For many years I always wanted to ride a train, but by the time I had the money to take a vacation I was single. So I waited some more. Finally, earlier this year I decided I was ready to go alone. took the train 5 hours to Chicago, stayed a couple days, and had an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL time!! Train travel was as fun as I thought it would be! I did learn that ear plugs are great to have on hand, especially if you ride in coach- the horn & the car doors opening and closing can get a bit disruptive.
That sounds really cool!
Love this video mate - and I'm adding that B&B to my list too
It was such a good sleep and the best breakfast! Enjoy!
@@DownieLive You looked sleepy when you filmed, such a nice heart to do this trip!
The thing I love about Amtrak? They go through areas of the US that has not been TOUCHED by us humans. Just wide open land, mountains, etc. Very refreshing to see. I laughed when you said you were going to Rutland. I was like, there's not much there....
Try the train that goes to the Pacific Northwest - and it's time in Montana.
NOTHING in the East is so .... empty.
@@bricefleckenstein9666 As a Montana resident and having ridden Amtrak from there to the east coast, I can confirm there's nothing in the eastern part of the state. Pretty cool experience though. I've lived here almost my whole life and never passed through places like Wolf Point and Culbertson until I took the Empire Builder.
Each time I watch your videos I find a big stupid smile on my face throughout. Suffering with major depressive disorder, I can't tell you how much you sharing these trips with me means!! 😫😥😲😁😁😁😁😁. Thank you so very much for sharing your adventures!!
I enjoy these videos too and for the same reason. Most people are unable to understand how difficult it is to get through life with depressive disorder because it's not their experience. Thank you for the comment.
This feels like those Geoff Marshall Videos where he goes to least used stations but happy to see the Amtrak version of it! 👏🏽
Still waiting for All The Stations Canada or US.
That’s not right. He does videos about stations, but this is about the trains
@@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460 trains and stations go hand in hand. Geoff’s videos are yes primary about stations, but he uses the train to get to them. He also dies videos on the routes too.
@@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460 Yes I would day they are more similar to Dylans travel roport or simply railway with the reviews of the buffet car, toilet etc etc.
He just forgot to review the seat :-)
@@Ollie1979 even still his focus is on the trains
Being able to travel from one place to another is a previllege that one can take. Never miss the opportunity to go to somewhere new.
8:24 - Greetings from the station closest to my landing spot here in NY.
So, as you already noted in this video, this line is about to get a much-needed expansion to Middlebury and Burlington, which will add two college towns (with one being the most populous city in Vermont) to the line. This expansion has been discussed for a long time, delayed in part due to the pandemic, and is finally going to be enacted this summer.
But there's another reason why this line's ridership numbers are the way they are: Three-quarters of this route consists of overlap from other routes. All of the Empire Service lines also cover the New York => Albany corridor. Some of the Empire Service trains also cover Schenectady, plus the Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf covers it as well. And in addition to New York => Schenectady, the Adirondack [when it was in full service, it has not been restored to pre-pandemic usage between Albany and Montreal yet] also overlaps the Ethan Allen to Saratoga Springs and Fort Edward as well, making only two unique stops on the Ethan Allen Express - Castleton and Rutland - until the Rutland/Burlington expansion starts.
I sure do miss that Maple Leaf service to Montreal.
One more note from another local: Albany is pronounced like ALL-buh-knee or AWL-buh-knee by most New Yorkers, saying AL-banny will make it immediately obvious that you're from out of town!
@@davecompmac I believe the Maple Leaf goes to Toronto and the Adirondack goes to Montréal.
UPDATE: The expanded service to Middlebury, Vergennes and Burlington begins July 29th, 2022 with a 10:10am departure celebration event from Burlington.
@@MiklaneTraneAll-buh-nee, not Awl. Don’t talk like those weird people who say cwoffee instead of coffee.
From Canadian trains to international trains, first class to regular travel, even the routine you find a nugget of interest that can make it engaging. Thanks for the video Mike and I’m looking forward to next weeks travel. Cheers.
I'm originally from Albany, and now living in Alabama. It was great to see the scenery of home. I had to laugh at your shock of the spelling of Poughkeepsie, and cringe at your pronunciation of Albany ("All-benny"). And then you got Schenectady right! Bravo!
Not every video has to be high-excitement. This was a good watch.
I'm from Albany myself, but live in another part of NY now and was like, it's really All-benny. Lol. I was going to mention it, but you beat me to it. 🙂 Love to see folks visit or come through this area.
The man is Canadian. We don’t have to pronounce things like Americans
Ok.
I’m from Utica, now in Buenos Aires, and enjoyed that, too.
You said what I have always thought... having a UA-cam channel encourages you to try things you may have never considered trying. A great video.
DownieLive really love the way you showcase how a simple way of traveling and staying can be so appealing. You revive the lone traveler in me each time I see your videos. Keep at it.
Nice how Sibayo and Mike are friends and railfans :)
I took the Ethan Allen Express when I was a teenager. I still remember how empty the train was, but those of us onboard spent the time just getting to know one another.
This episode proved to be more philosophical than I expected it to be-love it! Amazing video, and especially amazing ride through New England.
Thanks for the video exploring one of Amtrak’s least ridden trains. Years ago I got to ride this route from Saratoga, NY. At that time they had a schedule where you could do a one day trip to Rutland and back to Saratoga. Like you I was courteous about the route and since I was vacationing in Saratoga for the horse races, I took a chance for a different activity. Like you I noticed it served many small towns and ran on a relatively slow schedule. Latter Amtrak changed the schedule of this train and run it as now to basically serve as a train for the local people from there to have a convenient way to commute to and from New York City. The extended route to Burlington should help raise the ridership serving a larger city as an end point. I was told when I road it that in winter it did get some people riding it to go to Vermont ski areas. I look forward to seeing your future trips.
I actually was thinking, “Is he talking about Rutland?” at the start when you showed it was a Northeastern train line.
It’s a nice ride up the Hudson and northeastern New York, though I took the Adirondack up to Lake Champlain instead.
30 years ago, I interviewed for an editorial position at the Rutland Herald. (Drove from Philadelphia, didn't go by train.) While I wasn't hired, I marveled at the town and love Amtrak. In September 1996, I rode from NYC to Los Angeles via the Lake Shore Limited and now-defunct Desert Wind. Every American should go cross-country at ground level at least once to get a grasp of our nation's geography and understand how it grew. Glad to hear the route is being extended to Burlington -- did Bernie Sanders have anything to do with it?
I think Bernie didn't have much to do with it because iirc, upgrades to the line like this are funded at the state level. so it was likely the VT state legislature or governor that got it moving.
@@Jobother yep, the state of Vermont foot most of the bill, Bernie had very little or nothing to do with it. Of course he was there to speak on the first day of service like a good politician does.
More like Shumlin then Scott, and to a lesser extent Welch and Leahy.
I took this train two years ago and loved it! The scenery along the Hudson river was fantastic and I had a great time in Vermont.
I loved this, especially that house you stayed at. I’m sure the ride would be prettier during late spring, summer and fall.
Two weeks ago, I took the Empire Builder from Montana-Portland, than the Coaster Starlight from Portland-Los Angles, than the Surfliner from Los Angles to Solona Beach. I stayed in San Diego for 2 weeks than took the Amtrak back to Montana, all by myself. I had no delays and the trip was Epic. I have Great photos and videos of the California coast, Mt. Shaster, Mt. Hood, Cascade mountains in Oregon and California, the Columbia River, Glacier National Park and so much much more. Next year, I’m thinking of taking the Amtrak probably from Denver-NYC to visit family than take this ride to Vermont before heading back west. Probably by myself, I can’t seem to find anyone that would be interested on traveling by train. I may put some of my videos and pictures from my latest Amtrak trip on YT.
I love the Coast Starlight.
I would do that except I live in the Midwest. The closest Amtrak line to me is the Bluewater which runs from Port Huron Michigan to Chicago and i literally found out about yesterday lol
The route is funded by the state of Vermont, probably for the explicit purpose of connecting the state to NYC
Also important to note that the last stop (Rutland) is in the heart of Vermont ski country with both Killington and Okemo resorts nearly (widely regarded to be some of the best skiing resorts in the New England region)
This might not have been as exciting as your other videos, but it demonstrated an authentic experience traveling to a rural part of the country. Definitely would watch more of these!
This sounds like a super trip, especially in the fall, when the foliage is spectacular. I was glad to hear that Amtrak plans to extend the service to Burlington, which is a super destination. This is a great alternative to the Adirondack, which is still suspended.
Thanks Mike for showing the Marble Mansion Inn. Thanks to your video, I'm staying here tonight. The innkeeper is really nice and I mentioned that I found the inn through your video, she remembered you. Also found out that she is originally from Western Canada.
Yes, she is! That’s great! Enjoy your stay!
Hey Downie,
great to see this trip. I would like to suggest, that you visit Europe some time in the future. I live in the Rhine valley and here you can experience one of the best train rides in Europe. From Mainz to Koblenz you will see castles, ruins, old towns, a great river and some nice little spots. Also Koblenz is one of the oldest towns in Germany and the place were the German constitution was written after WWII.
If you ever come over, I am more than happy to help you or even join you on a great adventure.
Greetings from Germany.
Can you take that ride with the 9 Euro ticket?
Yes, you can
If you ride Deutsche Bahn, Just be aware that their departure times mean exactly what they say, and not 30 seconds later.
Short routes.
If you want long routes, you have to do combined Europe-Asia (The Trans Siberia and a couple others), or Canada or the USA.
For short distances, I'll drive - faster, and I have MY OWN TRANSPORT when I get where I'm going.
@@catherinebrown5413 Or in a significant minority of cases: many minutes later 😉
I believe this train just got extended up to Burlington, so ridership should increase drastically. (update: you mentioned this 5 minutes later)
That train in july will be extended to Burlington vermont. That will add alot of people fast when it reaches a much more populated area. Right now it basically isnt finished, riders numbers will sky rocket when its done
I highly recommend returning and heading up to Burlington -- my favorite little city in the US -- when the route goes through. They have great B&B's there, as well.
What a great video! I'll ride a train anywhere, and this ride looks like it was worth every minute. The Marble Mansion tops it beautifully!
Hey Mike I am an Amtrak Employee in Seattle. Thank you for showcasing our trains. Come to Seattle and take Amtrak Cascades for a beautiful run
When will it run to Vancouver again?
@@DownieLive Looks like September next month!!! They moved it up.
Such a great video! The one thing about traveling by train is that you get to connect with other people, and converse as well with other people. Sibayo seemed like a very nice guy that Mike was able to connect with during the train ride. That can also help to pass up time, and make the trip a lot of fun too
So true!
I'm so jealous of your adventures. You're an inspiration to live life to the fullest!
Wow, thank you!
I appreciate your candor, Mike. I like the trains in Canada better! The closer you got to Vermont, the nicer the scenery. The Marble Mansion looked inviting.
Me too!
Our country is the best. 🇨🇦
Thanks for the Marble Mansion B&B video. Next time I drive by Rutland, i am going to stop there and stay a night. Unfortunately, I will be taking the interstate, the Amtrak does not go up as far as I am going(, but wish it did.)
@@1browngirl29This American loves your country. I’m actually closer to Montreal and Ottawa than I am to the major cities in my own state (NY). I wish border crossing would go back to the pre-9/11 ways.
As a Brit who has travelled in the US over many years, I love seeing all these place names of legend, movie and musical that I didn't know were real. I love that they are!
So the name Poughkeepsie is derived from a term in the Wappinger (a sadly extinct) language called U-puku-ipi-sing which means "the reed-covered lodge by the little-water place" referring to a stream (Fall Kill) that feeds into the Hudson. In fact the train tracks actually go over the stream!
Why is it currently the least popular? Because quite simply, it's serving Vermont. As you saw on the 2019 ridership data, the Vermonter also had low numbers. Vermont has just over 600,000 people, making it second to last when it comes to the population of states. A population lower than Washington, DC. So when you're serving a sparsely populated state like Vermont, you're gonna be seeing less people get on (though perhaps its extension to Burlington will change some things). Not to mention the peak season for them is Winter, so of course numbers will be down the rest of the year. Also, the Ethan Allen can go 80 because it's not just Ethan Allen, it's an EXPRESS train. It is a higher-speed/semi-high speed intercity train. And that train you saw in Albany definitely wasn't Northeast Regional, they don't go up to Albany so that train wouldn't be the most popular
Both the Vermonter and the Ethan Allen would have been canceled years ago, based on ridership alone. They only persist because the state pays a subsidy to keep them going, as air and bus service are limited, and it's often a case of "Ya jes caint get theah fum heah!"
I think in Europe where I live, for an U.S. citizen probably every second station would look like a "Disneyland waiting area". ;)
This video is starting to remind me that travel can be exiting and full of experiences. I may plan a trip to Rutland later this year or next. Also, you earned yourself a new subscriber-great video showcasing this Amtrak route.
Welcome aboard, Andrew!
The route this train takes goes right through my hometown in upstate NY, so it's cool that you got see a section of the town I grew up in.
It’s so refreshing to hear of a Wheelchair Accessible Chair on a train. Bare minimum but a great change.
Gosh Michael I just loved this adventure. Learned about new cities, cities only heard the names of, got to meet Sibayo, and see country never seen before. Great video. Thank you!💕Cathy
I’ve actually never been on one of these trains before, so have always been curious to see what they were like - thanks for sharing!
grew up in new england - watching you cross those rail bridges and discover rural-ish vermont made me miss home just enough to be jealous of your trip =)
That train will extend to Vermont's largest city as of July 29, which should increase ridership. We'll see what that does to the longer train ride, the Vermonter.
He'll have to go back in a month. Or hit it in fall or peak ski season.
You made my day with this video. It’s all about the whole trip and the ending of this is shows why the ride might not be great, but the destination was cool. On top of that you met someone cool to talk to on the train.
I love that Amtrak trains travel along the Hudson Line. I grew up in the Sleepy Hollow area so I always took the Metro North into the city and this line (especially during the fall) provides one of the most spectacular views anywhere. The Palisades are stunning cliff formations and it's important that we keep them that way
And I'm so glad the Moynihan Train Hall exists. I now live on Long Island and I hate it every time I step into the LIRR concourse with a sour taste in my mouth just knowing the grand station it once was and what happened to it. It may not be the original Penn Station, but still a beaut and better than nothing
The destruction of the old Penn Station gave birth to the New Urbanism, preservation of history continent wide.
Not you again.
That's fascinating. Small towns clear up in the northeast seem so far removed from the hustle & bustle of big urban population centers, its like your actually stepping into another time.
Great stuff.
_Subbed!_
The Northeast is much more diverse geographically and socially than the the rest of the country realizes.
@@tomfields3682 Yes it is...we have lakes, rivers, oceans, beaches, ice ,snow topped mountains, all within a couple hours of each other. Very diverse indeed!
This was SO GOOD! I'm checking off Vermont on my next US vacation and this looks waaaaaaaay more interesting than what I was thinking about (Montpellier). Thanks Mike.
(I tell every Canadian I meet to watch your channel. Other people too, don't get me wrong, but *every* Canadian...)
Greetings from one of those small towns, Keene, New Hampshire. These sleepy small towns can be quite boring, but as someone who has traveled the US and parts of Europe, I always love coming home...I feel so safe and secure here! (Fun fact: the late great Robin Williams filmed the movie Jumanji in my town of Keene NH)!! ✌️❤️😄 -Stephanie
What a thoughtful video. I appreciated knowing you had questions about where your life is taking you. Your honesty is refreshing.
Yes, definitely trains over planes any day!!!!! Looked like a nice train ride. Thanks for sharing, and your new friend on the trip was awesome! The room you stayed in was incredible, would love to stay there, and wow...marble fence posts, just incredible!
Downie--Good video. The Indiana state legislature defunded the Hoosier State in (I think) mid-2019, the main reason it's dead last on the list you showed. Rationale was it took too long to travel from Indianapolis to Chicago by train compared to flying, bus or just plain driving so it wasn't worth subsidizing with taxpayer dollars. Sigh.
If they built a High speed line it would get used easily
I love that he can take what appears to be a hum-drum train ride into something still fascinating. I love that inn he stayed at--and what a breakfast! Thanks for the virtual train tour - love it!
Mike, this is probably my favorite travel channel. You have a way of making me want to do the things in your videos. Great job 👏
As a person who has frequent rider miles on Amtrak, one thing I found out about the Ethen Allen Express is that it tends to follow the Adirondack even though it serves less stations than others.
Love your honesty in this so cool coming along on your travels 😁
Sibayo was a wonderful, personal touch and an obviously generous and friendly guy; cute too. I really liked the views from the train as it would be all new to me. Thank you for a great video.
It’s beautiful how you make the best of every trip and awesome you met your new friend on the journey! You never fail to make life cool and exciting!
Great video Mike. My first Amtrak was the Downeaster from Portland, ME to Boston. These NE routes are gorgeous and I can't wait to get back there and ride again!
I haven't taken this particular route but just looking at the scenery, I can tell this would be a downright beautiful commute if taken during the fall when the trees change color.
I love how you put the soul into your videos and makes us all want to go there.
I've have spent so many hours on that line. Me and my now wife shared our first kiss at the Rhinecliff station. This video brought back so many memories
Great video, nice and relaxing ride between two of the best states in the US. And I am absolutely in love with Sibayo, what a lovely person to ride with.
You sure know how to pick 'em Mike. You were blessed to have a cool travelling companion all the way to Rutland and a great place to stay on arrival. Wow! That marble house is truly a destination in its own right - and the breakfast!!! I don't think you would need anything else for the day after wolfing through what was in front of you, apart from keeping up the fluids of course. We have some real stunning bed and breakfast places downunder as well, as some of my Canadian and New Zealand friends can verify. Looking forward to your next surprise! Cheers from your namesake in Melbourne.
Just discovered this. I used Amtrak to commute between Detroit and Chicago MANY TIMES for work in the early 90s. At the time, it was just a ride for work but always enjoyable. I'm at a different stage of life now and I believe you may have just ignited a completely new passion. I LOVE flying but can't afford it. This seems like a great way to begin my life long dream of just wandering around the country to reconnect with scattered friends or for no good reason. I'm somewhat recently disabled and have learned to be very ok by myself or with other people. Thank you for what could turn into a much needed focus on spending time planning to travel ! New subscriber here !!!
I'm glad to hear that, Bryan. Welcome aboard!
I love your videos because they take me on trips that I will probably never do. It's a wonderful, entertaining, and cheap way to travel! Thank you for what you do. BTW, I have a friend who is currently travelling in Canada (we're Aussies) and she used some of your videos for ideas on what to do and see.
We need a Mike and Sibayo COLLAB for an entirely different video!
Yes!!! Both are lovely people!
Hi Mike. A very nice video. I've always considered a train ride along the majestic Hudson River one of life's little pleasures. Some context: the Ethan Allen is heavily subsidized by the states of New York and Vermont. Not only does it get people out of their gas-powered automobiles for a very enjoyable journey, it also helps provide an important boost to Vermont's tourist industry, which is an important element in the state's economy. While I commend you on your pronunciation of "Poughkeepsie," which is a toughie for a lot of people, I'm afraid I can't say the same for your pronunciation of the New York State capital, Albany, which is AWL'-BUH-NEE.
As a Vermonter my whole life, I love to see this.
I am always excited when I see that you have posted another video of a train-journey 😉. And this one was yet again fantastic! 👋👋👋
Wow, this was such a happy and uplifting video! I was considering an amtrak-based vacation, but seeing a LOT of negative reviews had me second guessing this. You, your video (and Sibayo!) have rekindled my enthusiasm. Maybe I'll even change my destination from an obvious tourist trap like NYC to something truly special like sleepy Vermont. Thank you so much. Subbed!
Sibayo made this video a lot more fun, very cool person.
Some of my favorite content of yours is your many journey on trains. So entertaining and even educational. Keep it up Mike.
Always have a good time watching your trips on a train…love it!
At 12:45 as a Belgian I can in fact confirm and have to disappoint you: that is not a Belgian waffle 😬😄 You're always welcome to come try one here in Belgium! And of course ride our trains! 🚆
Belgium has great waffles :) The trains are... less remarkable, though 😉
OMG, I loved this video. I actually like looking gazing out the window and being able to take in the view. Regardless of what the view, or lack of something interesting to see. As long as I'm not driving, I think this is a lovely trip. I especially like the Marble Mansion Inn. Something I definitely want to put on my list. It may not be exciting, but I believe it's a great experience.
I lived in Rutland over 40 years ago and have very fond memories.
I personally love watching your content because it seems that YOU are having fun and it makes ME want to do the same thing as I love traveling. I understand UA-cam is a business but what brought me to your channel is you within the content not the content only. Hope this helps, and I do suggest ring the Cardinal from Cincinnati to Philadelphia, had a great time going through the Alleghenies and Appalachians as a kid
Came to the comments looking for Sibayo…
1:41 worth noting that Hoosier State ran only four days a week. And it ran at terrible hours, in order to mimic the departure and arrival schedule that the long-distance Cardinal train has the other three days of the week.
Another great video Mike. Sometimes it's really fun to just take a train to a destination that you've never been to before. Loved the look of the bed and breakfast!
I loved your time of reflection about 4 minutes in. In a world where everything is solely done for clicks and views, it was refreshing to hear that.
I really enjoyed this video. I would love to visit Rutland one day, and Sibayo looks like an amazing person.
My husband and I like your videos. He was from England, and then he went to Canada. He obtained his Canadian citizenship, and he loved living in Vancouver for four years. He then became a US citizen, and we live in California. We went on a vacation to Vancouver years ago, and I loved it. We live right near a train station and they honk constantly. Can you tell them to stop honking so much with your train connections? :)
How about you move to another home?
@@TheMusicalElitist I wish, but nothing is affordable in the area I live. Maybe if I had two million dollars I could. Unfortunately, I don’t. :).
It's a gorgeous,picturesque ride. Did trip in 2018 to friend's wedding in Vermont,rode to last stop. 50% of passengers disembark at Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga springs is a hidden gem of a city. great restaurants bars, scenery, and of course horse racing is their lifeblood which brings lots of guests there.
I like how you went from most popular to least popular. Love having you back on the trains. Too cool, keep it coming kid.
What memories. I was born in Schenectady and my grandparents lived in Rutland. Haven’t been back in thirty years. Great video that was ultra informative and nostalgic at the same time. BTW what’s the app you used to check the trains speed?😊
It’s called Speedometer
The train probably has many more riders during the tourist months of July & August, then again on weekends in the fall. It was good of you to include Sibayo in this video. Maybe he'll leave a comment.
I would suspect more in the winter. Rutland is the closest "city" to Killington which is the largest ski resort in the northeast and you can even book your connecting shuttle through Amtrak's website.
Enjoy watching your videos as there's something special in each episode...keep up the great work Downie! 🚅🛤
You should ride this train again. It is no longer the least popular and now goes instead of ending in Rutland all the way to Burlington, Vermont.
Really surprised you were so negative about this trip. Looks like a lot of nice views. Any experience on a train is a good time. I never get bored.
Did you even watch the video? He wasn't negative.
@@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell If someone says they are bored on a train, then that's negative to me.
@@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell Anyone who says "I'm really trying to make this trip interesting" and "I'm bored" is being negative. I wouldn't want to sit next to a person like that on a train. Normally, he makes the most of every trip. Clearly, he didn't like this one until the end.
i go to college with sibayo! he's a very nice person
Great video again Mike. Amtrak may classify the route as the least traveled, yet you showed us how it is the least discovered. What a fantastic getaway not all the far from NY. That breakfast spread looked amazing!
I love the videos that go to places where you would never think to go. It opens up so many options options now that I'm retired!