Key Takeaways:
– Sanderson, Texas boasts of America’s least utilized Amtrak train station.
– The station saw a $3m upgrade in 2021 despite serving only 247 passengers in 2023.
– Other quiet Amtrak stations include those in Montgomery and Alderson, West Virginia, and Rensselaer, Indiana.
– In stark contrast, Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York was the busiest in the US, serving over 10.2 million passengers in 2023.
The Quietest Amtrak Train Station in the US
Tucked away in the remote town of Texas, a sparse population of approximately 700 residents is home to the least frequented Amtrak train station in the US. Recording a mere 247 passengers within a span of one year, Sanderson station maintains its tranquility amid the incessant hustle of other bustling stations across the country.
An Extensive Network
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, colloquially known as Amtrak, dominates the railway landscape in the US. With more than 300 trains in operation each day, it stretches over 21,000 route miles reaching 500 destinations in 46 states. Irrespective of the vast expanse Amtrak covers, some stations like Sanderson fall behind, struggling to attract even 300 passengers annually.
The Train Station that Stands Out
Despite Sanderson’s quiet demeanor and low passenger use, it witnessed a remarkable $3m renovation in 2021. Seen as an attempt to make the station more user-friendly, the update included an open-air shelter, a concrete platform, and walkways. Sanderson, endearingly known as the “Cactus Capital of Texas” and an essential livestock grazing center, is served six times a week by the long-distance Sunset Limited train and the Texas Eagle.
Other Peaceful Stations
The tranquility is not exclusive to Sanderson. Other stations feature on the list of least used stations in the US. Following Sanderson is Montgomery, West Virginia which catered to just 266 passengers in 2023. The rather quiet community located alongside the scenic Kanawha River is graced by the long-distance Cardinal train which operates three days a week between New York and Chicago.
Four stops down, one can find Alderson, the third least used station in the US, serving 399 passengers. One stop away is Thurmond, West Virginia which welcomed only 466 passengers. Moving away from West Virginia, Rensselaer Indiana holds the title for the fifth quietest station with just 509 passengers despite its proximity to Chicago.
The Other Extreme
Taking a dramatic turn from these peaceful locales, the busiest Amtrak station in the US is none other than the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York. It hosted over 10.2 million passengers in 2023 alone. No stranger to the concept of “rush hour,” this station is a transit point for 650,000 daily commuters. It not only serves Amtrak trains but is also a hub for NJ Transit, Long Island Rail Road, and subway lines making it a veritable hive of activity.
A Contrasting Landscape
The contrast between America’s busiest and quietest train stations illuminates a compelling narrative of the railway system’s diversity. While some stations are buzzing with footfall, others maintain silent diligence, quietly serving their community. Both of these extremes contribute to the unique mosaic that forms America’s breathtaking railway landscape.