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Since 2012, Amtrak rider numbers have decreased 10.5 percent. These days, among the 2 million people living in the Austin area, roughly 1 out of every 40,000 purchases a train ticket each day. Blaming the improving economy for low numbers, Peter LeCody, vice chairman of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, told the Statesman the increased freight traffic has hit Amtrak hard. According to Amtrak, “its trains have come in to Austin on time just 30.9 percent of the time over the past 12 months, mostly because its rail cars, which generally are paying guests on tracks owned by freight rail companies such as Union Pacific, must take second priority to any freight trains.” “It’s nice once you get on the train,” Austinite Adam R. Hatley said. “But you can’t be in a hurry.”

Zachary Fouts: Amtrak is unreasonably expensive for long hauls. It’s cheaper to fly or drive most of the time, which is a shame because it’s so beautiful taking the train.

Scott Newby: It would help if Amtrak didn’t have to compete with the freights and could run on time.

Megan Page Montgomery: Give me the rails over flying — and especially driving — any day of the week.

Rivers Ashton Frost: It’s because no one has a sense of adventure.

Debra Cole: Amtrak, there are plenty of “non-growing” economies across the state. Go there more.

Sonya M. Ramos: I love Amtrak, but I just use it for traveling to Fort Worth. It is cheaper than a bus, showcases beautiful scenery and you can bring booze.

Joseph Iley: The cost of riding the train long haul is too expensive. Secondly, I can’t take my bike with me unless I box it up. Amtrak needs to allow fully assembled bikes onto their long haul trains so that people can bring their bikes along.

Brian Ortego: I love riding trains, but Amtrak is not practical for workers who typically can take only one week of vacation at a time. It’s great for retirees and those who have a few weeks to travel to and from a destination.

Gary Cozart: Maybe the government will take it over and make it affordable! Oops, never mind.

Jason Lozano: I take the train to San Marcos every Saturday for $18 round trip — cheaper than Greyhound.

Georgia Jackson: Last time I rode, about a month ago, there was a good crowd. I love taking the train, but wonder why lower fuel costs aren’t showing up in lower fares?