SalB : that's a lot of questions, so I'll have to answer them while I'm at work
Today : Question #1 - public transportation.
Well, I've only been on the subway in NYC and Chicago. I also know Amtrack and Greyhound quite well.
Subway trains I've used are quite the same as in Paris. Out network may be bigger, and simpler too. But I feel the subways I rode in the US are cleaner and safer, and what I like about them is that you don't have to go through miles and miles of tunnels and escalators to reach for your line. Inner city bus lines are fine too, I rode a lot of these in many cities across the USA, and they're helpful and cheap.
Amtrack can't beat our SNCF. Well, that's because no Americans will travel with Amtrack unless they're too scared to fly. Amtrack is slooooow, late, and there are states that don't get Amtrack at all. What I like about Amtrack is that the coaches are very comfortable, and service is good. Very relaxed atmosphere. It'd better be good, since the average ride will be something like 10 hours ! Actually one of my best moments in the US happens to be an Amtrack one. I had bought a first class sleeping car ticket (not that I was rich at the time, but it was the only seat left), on the City of New Orleans between Jackson MS and Chicago IL. They fed us a great steack, and then I just had to fall asleep in my big comfy bed to the sound of Muddy Waters on my CD player, at sundown, while the train rode peacefully through the Delta. Anyway ...
I won't comment on Greyhound, because, well, it's Greyhound, and most Americans never rode on a Greyhound at all But let it be known that Greyhound is cheap, and very practical. You'd be amazed by the number of European tourists you meet on these things
Finally, planes and airport ... clearly a lot better in the US, you guys make it so convenient to take a plane, I love it. I hate Roissy CDG, it was probably designed by Kafka's grandson. Best place to get lost and miss your flight. Hey maybe that's what it is for ? Lyon airport is better, but too small to bear the comparison.
Well, that's about all I have to say about public transportation. Now that I'm older and richer, I just rent cars
Today : Question #1 - public transportation.
Well, I've only been on the subway in NYC and Chicago. I also know Amtrack and Greyhound quite well.
Subway trains I've used are quite the same as in Paris. Out network may be bigger, and simpler too. But I feel the subways I rode in the US are cleaner and safer, and what I like about them is that you don't have to go through miles and miles of tunnels and escalators to reach for your line. Inner city bus lines are fine too, I rode a lot of these in many cities across the USA, and they're helpful and cheap.
Amtrack can't beat our SNCF. Well, that's because no Americans will travel with Amtrack unless they're too scared to fly. Amtrack is slooooow, late, and there are states that don't get Amtrack at all. What I like about Amtrack is that the coaches are very comfortable, and service is good. Very relaxed atmosphere. It'd better be good, since the average ride will be something like 10 hours ! Actually one of my best moments in the US happens to be an Amtrack one. I had bought a first class sleeping car ticket (not that I was rich at the time, but it was the only seat left), on the City of New Orleans between Jackson MS and Chicago IL. They fed us a great steack, and then I just had to fall asleep in my big comfy bed to the sound of Muddy Waters on my CD player, at sundown, while the train rode peacefully through the Delta. Anyway ...
I won't comment on Greyhound, because, well, it's Greyhound, and most Americans never rode on a Greyhound at all
Finally, planes and airport ... clearly a lot better in the US, you guys make it so convenient to take a plane, I love it. I hate Roissy CDG, it was probably designed by Kafka's grandson. Best place to get lost and miss your flight. Hey maybe that's what it is for ? Lyon airport is better, but too small to bear the comparison.
Well, that's about all I have to say about public transportation. Now that I'm older and richer, I just rent cars
CRC