Amtrak California Zephyr (full trip in coach!) - Apparently a Trip Report

[@AndrewOsborne]

Hey Miles! I work as a conductor on the Empire Builder route. My territory is from Winona, MN to St Cloud, MN and St Cloud to Minot, ND. I loved your California Zephyr video here. Many many times I have been in your situation and been the conductor to have to tell the passengers how late they are, etc. I am glad you made the trip. I hope to see you on the Builder again. Take a trip with the new “Chargers” as the engines. It’s everyday now. And by the way, I loved your recent video about the unique diners around Boston! Love ya Miles and Jackson!

[@MilesinTransit]

That's awesome, thank you so much for watching! That's gotta be tough to be the bearer of bad news like that - I think our Zephyr crew handled it really well. They were constantly communicating, even when it seemed like no one knew what was going on.

[@ronclark9724]

@@MilesinTransit Unfortunately Amtrak runs on tracks it doesn't own, the freight railroads own most of the tracks. The railroad dispatchers also know who puts butter on their bread, and it isn't Amtrak. While Amtrak may seem as if they wait for every freight train, you may be amazed freight trains wait for Amtrak as well.

[@mystica-subs]

@@ronclark9724I think the rule is that Amtrak trains have priority, its just that these "precision scheduled railroading" 3 mile long trains can't fit into sidings...

[@RobertKrebill]

Andrew I wonder if your coworkers on the train call you “Ozzy”

[@doct0rnic]

​@@ronclark9724UP seems to delay Amtrak all the time, Amtrak generally seems to be on time on BNSF

[@dan27226]

Every other video is in a sleeper car - FINALLY someone makes the trip in coach and talks about it!!

[@ClassyWhale]

A highlight for me was "Diner Factory" - one of the most meticulous parodies I've ever seen. Also thanks for the shout-out!

[@abrandenburg10]

Fav video has to be the 100+ hour greyhound nightmare trip that led me to discover your channel. A video worthy of sundance

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much! I'm really glad that's the one that has the most views.

[@adnamamedia]

Miles' taste in food is truly so bizarre, i've never seen someone wince whilst biting a cheeseburger 😭

[@jacorp7476]

The Amtrak cheeseburger is uniquely bad though...

[@ianpilkington2037]

Well when your food is catered by Chef Mike Rowave, you can't expect top notch fare

[@Hale444]

Studies have shown that up to 69% of Zoomers can't eat a burger without avocado without experiencing pain.

[@toddswartz3510]

It was a pre packaged microwaved burger from the beverage snack car.... 🤮

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

You want something really good forget the dining car. Get the quarter-pound dog in the store. I think they’re Nathan’s. They’re awesome and they’ve got loads of condiments, or they did last time I rode-in October last year. You can bring food on an Amtrak train but you have to eat it at your seat.

[@Micg51]

Favorite moment was definitely POOR BID and when your sponsor code on the megabus video was POORBID I laughed so hard I almost coughed up my lungs

[@Token_Nerd]

Best moment of the year (at least in terms of release) has to be when you missed your flight and Jordan finds out.

[@Token_Nerd]

Runner up has to be just enjoying the snow of Duluth in winter.

[@NickP16]

@@Token_Nerd funny thing is so far this year, Minnesota has had practically no snow. Dramatic change from the video he put out from his visit to Duluth last winter.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Agreed, that moment when Jordan found out and roasted Miles when Miles finally arrived had to be the greatest Miles in Transit moment of all time.

[@lpamnz]

I honestly can't remember when I found your channel but I'm so glad I did, what a gem. It's been making me want to ride the whole bus system in my hometown and document it haha but I'm afraid I'd have to attempt much harder to be entertaining, and the whole mortifying ordeal of talking to a camera by myself in public. This year was great for Miles in Transit, but the funniest moment was in the Boston diners video when Jackson pressed the button said "top requested" 😭😭 another favorite was the Buenos Aires streetcar video, that was so cool

[@lpamnz]

*last year ig lol

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much! Not too many people watched the Buenos Aires video so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@HumblElephant]

Realizing that this trip took place last year really puts into perspective the amount of time and effort you put into these uploads. Great video as always and cannot wait til the first one of 2024

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!

[@craftergin]

When I saw this was cross country in coach, I thought, I hope Miles isn't dragging his girlfriend across country again! That would have just been mean. LOL! I was happy to see Jackson was with you. You and all your pals have excellent chemistry. But I love Jackson! I hope to see many more videos next year. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!

[@adnamamedia]

To answer the question at the end of the video, my favorite thing is all the little running jokes; Poor bid, you stupid idiot, spongebob sound effects, fun fact ("now on the phone: fun fact" made me laugh pretty hard for some reason), and so many more. This is truly one of my favorite channels on this platform!

[@MilesinTransit]

Aww, thank you so much!!

[@mturpiz]

Annoyingly unspecific but very genuine answer to the "what's your favorite of 2023" question: anything with you and Jackson. The interplay and chemestry are unrivaled, and what each brings out in the other is the absolute best. 🙂

[@MilesinTransit]

Noted - there's always more Jackson stuff in the pipeline!

[@JacksonBetz]

Awww this comment made me happy! Thanks for watching :)

[@VintageToiletsRock]

@@JacksonBetz Whenever you're in a Miles In Transit video, I'm smiling from how wholesome it is! :)

[@syksystransitagency]

You might not be Paul or Jeff, but you have the catchiest intro (And best content)

[@DuluthTW]

Who is Paul? I found Jeb's (sorry I'm being "that person") content to be pretty dry. Yeah, Jeb rides in 1st class, but I won't watch his videos for just that reason. Miles et al are always informative, genuine, and entertaining with the catchiest intro. Bonus!

[@Bobspineable]

@@DuluthTWwinging it with Paul. He mostly does flights though.

[@Grahamrobinsonvt802]

It’s not n spotty or iTunes 😂

[@Micg51]

​@@Bobspineable he does a lot of inter European trains

[@Bobspineable]

@@Micg51 he got popular from flights though. I consider him a plane channel with trains on the side.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Grand Junction, CO is called such because of it being the junction of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers in the Grand Valley. The Grand part refers to the upper Colorado River's historical name. In 1921, Colorado representative Edward T. Taylor petitioned the Congressional Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to rename the Grand River as the upper Colorado. The stretch of Interstate 70 through the Glenwood Canyon is 15 miles, was completed in 1992, is indeed an engineering marvel considering the extremely difficult terrain and the sharper than normal corners it required. And the dam you saw is the Grand Valley Diversion Dam which was built between 1913 and 1916. Glenwood Springs station opened in 1904 and was made with both brick and sandstone from the Fryingpan River. Glenwood Springs is named after Glenwood, Iowa because a founder's wife named Sarah had a hard time adjusting to the frontier life, and so in an attempt to make her more comfortable, persuaded the founders to rename it Glenwood Springs from Defiance in honor of her hometown.

[@SamCyanide]

I love foamer videos because the level of autism in the comments matches my own

[@PaulGodfrey]

All your Amtrak videos are excellent but this one was a real winner.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!

[@thyagarajannatarajan6234]

This is gonna be a long one, so I totally understand if you ignore this. TLDR: I first want to put out, I am a huge fan of Miles in Transit. 5PM EST Wednesday is my favorite thing ever. You have inspired some of my planned trips (Greyhound to Boston, Amtrak to Providence--your points run was very great). You are a very influential person within the transit online world. Watching least used Amtrak, great races, "apparently a trip reports", stupid deviationfests or random content is just so iconic w/ you. So now that I have put this out, here is really why I am here. I want to talk Middlesex County person to Middlesex County person. You being from Cambridge, MA a very well transit connected city has made you such an expert on what transit should look like in neighboring cities/close suburbs. I resided outside of Framingham, MA a while back. I'm pretty sure you know what I am talking about. You made a blog post on it in 2017 (where you gave it a 7--I was incredibly disappointed that we didn't fare better but at least we were better than back bay) and have created multiple MWRTA posts. Back to Framingham Station, it is incredibly terrible. For one of the busiest commuter rail stations as well as one served by Amtrak it deserves more. However, it doesn't seem like Framingham is doing anything. Similarly, MWRTA operates minibuses around the MetroWest area. Supposedly. these buses have a schedule, but they seem to show up when they do like SEPTA trains. They also operate microtransit. Me personally, in theory believes in microtransit however it doesn't work in practice. It is too reliable and, in most places, where it is effective it is too costly. I truly believe that microtransit doesn't have a future in Framingham. What could they do to improve this? Take Newton MA. It borders Boston so some villages are covered by the GLD. It also has 3 commuter rail stops. Alongside that, MBTA runs buses into here and so does the MWRTA. Newton has a population of 87k people. Framingham has about 72k people. Framingham has some major "neighborhoods" such as Coburnville, Downtown, City Center, Pheasant Hill, Nobscot and Saxonville. Adding a lightrail-streetcar system to Framingham would be expensive and would take a ton of work. They could operate bigger buses like the LRTA but that could require re-routes and would take up space in the Banana Lot that isn't there. Now if we got rid of the MWRTA that would mean that a lot of other services in smaller cities would be cancelled and that would affect a ton of people. What if we moved the MWRTA hub to Natick Mall (biggest mall in New England--I couldn't find any restaurants w/ combo 1 there at least 2 auntie annes are at this mall). Natick Mall is a preexisting major transfer point. However, this could send some buses onto a deviationfest (not that you wouldn't mind). What about commuter rail? Could Framingham use any commuter rail extensions? Could it be the hub to a new Commuter rail agency? Now if there were more commuter rail lines then definitely station renovations would be necessary. There aren't enough tracks. Preexisting tracks connect onto Fitchburg/Leominster as well as Central Falls RI. I don't see commuter rail service being necessary to these cities. These and other tracks are also owned by CSX so delays will arise just like the MBTA Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail in the 90s. The Framingham and Lowell Railroad used to have a line through Sudbury, Maynard & Westford. This is a line that would prove incredibly practical as many people commute between these cities. However, this track has been demolished so it is not feasible. Yeah, Lowell has much better transit. On another note, I wish MBTA still had commuter rail to Nashua & Manchester as well as Westerly, RI. So, if you made it this far, Miles, please give me your thoughts on what Framingham should do w/ transit? Do you agree w/ me? Do you think the MWRTA is effective? Do you think that Framingham could get Light Rail? I would much oblige your insights.

[@SystemSmort]

essay?

[@bmolitor615]

@@SystemSmort hmmm... well, maybe just never click the "read more" - problem solved...

[@snopedea9902]

u are talking to Miles like he is the secretary of transportation lmao

[@kitchin2]

Thank you

[@MilesinTransit]

I'm not sure if Framingham is a big enough city on its own to justify an entire light rail system, especially given that its land use patterns are super suburban (with your example of Newton, the D Branch is also really suburban and needs to be upzoned, but there's a lot of historic density around the stations which helps the ridership a lot). I think you could get a lot of mileage out of increasing service on the Framingham/Worcester Line to, say, every half hour, with every other train turning in Framingham. That would make the bus hub in Framingham a lot more valuable, especially if you can integrate fares with the train. I don't like how the MWRTA network operates (too many loops), so I think streamlining that would make sense, but since they run so many routes to the Natick Mall, you could probably offset them to get a roughly 15-20 minute headway from the station to there (I agree that it should also be a major transit hub). It would also be great if they pumped up service on a Route 9 route from the Green Line, similar to the GL that they run on Saturdays - the connections to the Natick Mall, FSU, and various job centers would be valuable, especially if bus lanes could be installed on Route 9 (not that the residents would let that happen, but we can dream). Hopefully this is some decent insight - thanks so much for the kind donation!

[@ck4426]

The best moment was in your least used station video when you ran into the teenagers, they treated you like a rockstar because you were a KZbinr. They were so excited to show you “their” train station, and you were so receptive to them. You were so sweet with them, and made them feel so special to live in that little town. That was really something.

[@MilesinTransit]

I don't think any moment will ever top that. Just the coolest experience ever.

[@ck4426]

@@MilesinTransit it was a really special obviously unscripted moment where are you made a true positive impact on others. Just magical and I’ll never forget it.

[@tulasiholdridge]

That moment (and that whole video, especially the 3-hour walk) was my favorite too!

[@Emyyytech]

Favorite thing from 2023 was discovering you! Love the content so much!! So fun to watch and so enjoyable and entertaining. Love it when I see you upload!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!!

[@csxrailfan2]

Funniest moment on your channel this year, (We Visited EVERY Diner in Boston (Using Transit!)) Miles: There's the Christian Science Center which is home to the map Arium, where you go inside of a big globe. Jackson: Is it flat? MBTA: STOP REQUESTED. I can't stop playing that over and over again, awesome videos!

[@MilesinTransit]

The timing on that was just perfect!

[@randomtransitadventures]

yes big funny

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

That Adobe joke from Jackson....that's rough, buddy. Davis is named after farmer Jerome C. Davis who participated in the Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma. Davis station was built in 1868 and is designed in Mission Revival style! Called such because Mission Revival draws inspiration from the late 18th and early 19th century Spanish missions in California, but these missions had adobe walls! Basically, the missions looked similar because they emulated the Spanish Colonial style, the limited availability and variety of building materials besides adobe near mission sites or imported to Alta California limited design options, and the missionaries and the indigenous had minimal construction experience with European designs. The California Zephyr is a love letter to the western US! Not just because of all the natural beauty, but if it wasn't for the Moffat Tunnel, Denver wouldn't have become the economic engine that it is today! Sadly, Moffat was unable to raise sufficient funds to build the tunnel before he died in 1911, but the fight for the tunnel continued in his honor, and it finally opened in 1928!

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

Dude I love how you totally know American history. But really .... lose some weight and save some food for the other NORKS.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

As much as I like traveling by train, just the thought of spending 60 hours in coach makes my back and butt hurt. I’ve thought it would be pretty cool if Amtrak could free up some space to put a little “mini gym” on its long-distance routes, if anything just to keep some blood circulating.

[@monkeybusinessasusuall5467]

He comments on the most random videos. Our dear leader is a man of culture

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

You could do chair yoga in your seat and on smoke stops and crew change stops you can get off the train and excercise on the platform

[@anthony-us3pn]

Greetings from Australia! So happy I found your channel just recently - I’m loving binge watching your videos. You have such passion for public transport and I appreciate how much you take everything in your stride with good humour. Love your work!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@ronclark9724]

They may have passion for public transport, but I do not believe they have any empathy whatsoever towards the thousands that died building it... Many died building all those tunnels through the Sierra Nevada, and the Rocky Mountains... While they mentioned the first transcontinental railroad's route, they never gave a thought to those building it through a wilderness more than a hundred and fifty years ago...

[@MilesinTransit]

@@ronclark9724 ok

[@felixvizzini]

Ron it’s more you thinking about the depressing stuff than Miles and Jackson having no empathy. If I was riding this train(I have before from Denver to Chicago!), I’d ride it for the fun of it. Not to think about sad topics. Yes it is very bad that many people died building the tunnels, but this is a TRIP report. NOT a history report.

[@dianaleila]

I just discovered your channel this year but the Greyhound bus across the country is my favorite (i know its not from this year tho) Also the race with the groups was awesome too.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@VulcanTrekkie45]

I think my favourite Miles in Transit thing from 2023 was your collab with Geoff Marshall, because I have a sneaking suspicion it was my comment on his video that got it to happen

[@MilesinTransit]

That was SUCH a blast! Was it you who got the ball rolling by responding to his tweet? I wasn't going to say anything but I remember someone tagged me and I chimed in!

[@sdsd4139]

@@MilesinTransit Hopefully some day you & Jeb can do a collab...

[@Randint73]

It’s such a shame the Zephyr suffers so much under the curse of PSR-addled freight companies. Honestly, I think it would be worth it - for American transit and Amtrak PR - if they got funding for a second set of rails with passenger rail priority in some of the sections. Not even the entire route, just some spans where Amtrak can catch up from other sections where freight companies screwed them over.

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately if the freight trains didn't deliver coal at the power plant on the day it's scheduled, that power plant may shut down without coal to produce electricity. Similar tales can be said of the other freight trains, wheat at bakeries, corn at high fructose corn syrup factories, soybeans at cooking oil factories, etc. You will be amazed how many factories produce goods from same day deliveries of resources. Just about all of the junk food you consume. I am a retired newspaper printer, the rolls of newsprint would run out if our deliveries three times a week was delayed a day. When a strike was expected, the newspaper stocked up extra newsprint at another leased warehouse, forcing us to truck the newsprint instead of from a railroad boxcar. Now you should comprehend that movement of freight is very important for our economy. When the shipment of goods is delayed, just a few short years ago grocery stores shelves were empty... How soon city slickers forget...

[@qjtvaddict]

Like a HSR network? China figured it out and the REAL reason was to segregate passenger trains from freight AND reduce travel times especially with airlines as bad as they are in China once you fly in China you won’t complain about US airlines

[@qjtvaddict]

@@ronclark9724stop mixing passenger with freight

[@e621_]

@@ronclark9724 cant wait for those coal plants to shut down then

[@gigglesmurf2004]

@@ronclark9724Somehow all the private companies in the past managed to have on time glamorous passenger service AND freight service. PRR, NYC, B&O in the NE. I don’t know what the solution is today.

[@904rivers96]

I haven't lived in the US in 4 years and your content makes me the most homesick thank you

[@MilesinTransit]

Aww, glad these videos can remind you of home!

[@DrVinnie]

This video was so fun to watch and informative!!! Thank you!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you for watching and for the donation!!

[@trainandmore]

Honestly my favorite Miles in transit moment from 2023, is just anytime you do reply. May not always agree, but I love the fact that you at least "heart a comment and read it. Similar channels your size only do it for the first 2 minutes of a upload. Hoping meet ups, great races or whatever continue in 2024.

[@MilesinTransit]

Always! There's a part of me that doesn't want to grow TOO much for fear of not being able to respond to all the comments anymore.

[@ddwag1]

I took this, this summer. Had a really great time. So many landscapes. I did Montreal -> NYC -> Boston-> Chicago -> Sacramento-> Portland> Seattle ->Vancouver all over a few weeks and all via Amtrak.

[@MilesinTransit]

WOW, that's an amazing trip!

[@sicchio24]

My favorite would have to be the Great Race to New York, it was fun seeing all your friends in one series. I think what makes your videos so great is not only showing the importance of public transit, but that I feel like I'm just hanging out with you and your friends too. Happy new year, here's to more transit adventures in 2024!

[@MilesinTransit]

I really appreciate that, thank you so much! We've got another transit race coming for 2024...

[@leonb2637]

@@MilesinTransit We need another transit race with all your fellow transportation nerds. Looks like a lot of fun again for your viewers.

[@ab99542]

I’m from Naperville!! Fun to see you guys pass through

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

I used to live in Wheaton Illinois

[@Vic_Coco]

Found you just before the new year while I’ve been sick with Covid and have been binge watching your videos. Makes me feel a lot better! Happy New Year! Here’s to a great year for you expanding the channel even more!

[@MilesinTransit]

Oof, get better soon! I'm glad these videos have helped you pass the time!

[@alexanderboulton2123]

Note to anyone hoping to use Amtrak to meet a deadline of ANY kind: DON'T! Simply do not! Use any other mode of transit!

[@qjtvaddict]

Exactly

[@ronclark9724]

I tell everyone booking Amtrak to book your trip to get to your destination a day earlier than you need to be there. All it takes to delay the train several hours is one hot wheel axle bearing of a freight train running ahead of the Amtrak train. All it takes to ruin your smooth quiet ride is one flat wheel on the train car you are riding in. With two mile long freight trains with 150 plus freight cars, there are a lot of wheels and axles on those very long freight trains.

[@tasmaniantaswegian]

Ok so ill book greyhound :)

[@z9nc982]

​@tasmanianmapping unironically ive found intercity buses more reliable than amtrak

[@maxivisionvermont1333]

Greyhound has let me down way more than Amtrak by far I won't even take Greyhound anymore

[@ratedpz]

What a great video to end the year off! I’m hoping to ride the Zephyr from Denver to SF with my family to visit my grandpa, and every trip report or review just makes it look more exciting. I love the trip report series, and maybe one day you’ll ride every amtrak service! P.S. Jackson I love all the references you make, like “shubbery” and “spaceman spiff”

[@MilesinTransit]

That's my goal, to ride every Amtrak service!

[@coltonwest2557]

I found your channel this year and you have inspired me to become more willing to adventure into different forms of transit. I binged 90% of your videos and have throughly enjoyed every one. Thank you for what you do and happy new year!

[@MilesinTransit]

That's incredible to hear, thanks so much!

[@annekemoser8919]

I loved the Boston Diner video. All of your friends getting yummy food! Me and my gf watch your videos together. We are taking the costal starlight from Emeryville-LA on Friday and are so excited! We bonded over our love of unusual public transit and we love foaming over trains together! Thanks for playing a part in our lives 😊

[@annekemoser8919]

Also the diner video came out the first time I had COVID and it was so perfect to watch while half awake .

[@MilesinTransit]

That's so awesome to hear, thank you so much! Have a fantastic trip!!

[@annekemoser8919]

Our poor bid got accepted, so we are getting a roomette for the first leg!

[@MilesinTransit]

@@annekemoser8919 WHOA, that's fantastic!!

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Sorry about Covid not fun but I had it once from the 1 of our community pools and was positive for 12 days then had the Covid cough for 2 more months, I just had a fever during the night time sleeping and was very weak but I still could taste everything. How was your symptoms

[@homogenized]

The Great Race was a total blast and I liked the videos from when you came to visit Atlanta! I also enjoy the music in every video. Menu shot, Worcester Massachusetts, credits, etc!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!!

[@fenderbender4294]

thanks for all the great content and fun times this year! your videos are often highlights of my week. happy new year and good luck for 2024!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@maggot806]

Such a great year of content, it has brought me so much joy and I truly cannot thank you enough. My favorite moment has to be the boston diner video. So much incredible history and amazing looking food, but the best part (for me) was the original music. I can tell a lot of love and care went into them and it was so so worth it. I go back and listen to Worcester, Massachusetts and The 71 on a regular basis, really good stuff. Thanks again Miles, and here's to an amazing 2024!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@ryleesmith1480]

Seriously reconsidering my support for this channel over Miles’s stance on Chex Mix /s In all seriousness, incredible video! I love this channel a ton, all the Boston adventures are probably my favorite as a local to that area, but the Amtrak videos inspire me to imagine future trips which is also fun!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@scoobin336]

what a wonderful way to end the year! my favourite video i think (or series of videos), was the great race to new york! (i may or may not have drawn a comic of my favourite bit :), my second fav is that one station review where a bunch of teenagers just appeared out of nowhere and gave a tour of the town. it was so fun and unexpected. I love all the little mini musical bits and the references and callbacks and aaaaaaaaaa!! so much to love about this channel. have a fantastic new years, and look forward to seeing what you make! :D

[@MilesinTransit]

A comic?? Gosh, if that's something you don't mind sharing, I would LOVE to see that! That's so cool!

[@scoobin336]

@@MilesinTransit wuh oh- I think youtube ate my reply attempts because there was a link, ill send it through via email!

[@ovenmitts-is-hot]

my favorite miles in transit moment of 2023 has gotta be when I discovered the channel! big fan, when I saw y'all reviewing the GLX outside where I work I had a moment

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!!

[@Kendra-sm6cn]

The amtrak blueberry muffin hits different

[@osurpless]

That’s from Sweet Sam’s, so definitely quality. Their coffee crumb cake is heaven!

[@regresssion]

i have two favourite miles in transit moment this year. one was in my where my girlfriend (who's from the us) was visiting me in the uk for most of the month of may and part of our comfortable lazy time together was watching the whole great race series as it came out, cuddled up on my sofa. the second was about 3 minutes ago when you revealed this was the trip with the chicago layover and that old video, and me and my girlfriend who's back home, watching the video synced up, both scream "what????" at each other in the voice call in synchronicity. thanks for the wonderful year of content, im so excited for whatever's coming next x

[@MilesinTransit]

As someone who also loves watching KZbin with my girlfriend (both in person and on video calls), this really strikes a chord knowing that the stuff I make is watched in that same context. Thanks so much for the comment, I really appreciate it!

[@alk61695]

Keep up the good work Miles, glad I found this channel. Not sure what my exact favorite moment but I do like anytime I hear Diner or Poor Bid.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@alk61695]

@@MilesinTransit Oh wait, the memory that stands out is the Boston to New York race. And for whatever reason you took the PATH.

[@MilesinTransit]

@@alk61695 That was a VERY funny sequence to edit!

[@alk61695]

@@MilesinTransit it was very fun to watch. I used to work in Harrison and took the PATH there all the time. I was always late for work because of the PATH.

[@jimhowes1258]

The Amtrak Points Run video was my number one comfort video of the year, and the "hi Pawtucket" bit was perfect. Thank you for doing what you do, Miles. This is the coolest channel I sub to and it's not close.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you, and I'm happy to hear that such a niche video was your favorite! I was debating whether or not to do it, so I'm glad it worked out!

[@ovj06]

At first I thought Jackson was prepping to talk smack about your new friend Edwin but in reality he was just locked and loaded to deliver that timeless Union Pacific line.

[@italiana626sc]

18:53 "I don't even like ham," was perfect! Gorgeous scenery that you captured. Jackson is always a welcome addition. Also you know you've been watching a lot of Miles in Transit when you watch a British you tube channel about luxury travel and say "foamer shot" at the screen. 😅 Love your channel! ❤

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@freddysanders2826]

my favorite miles moment of 2023 gotta be the diner factory song

[@MilesinTransit]

That was so much fun to record and film!

[@baseballfan99]

The last time I passed through Reno the tunnel had not been finished so we went down the old lines that passed down the street. Best place to buy non train food whilst on the move is the Silver Street Market deli in Albuquerque as its delicious had deli fried chicken, sandwiches and fresh cake as crazy low prices compared to say New York. Best video of the year was the race between Boston and New York as it was so funny but I also love the least used stations for their small town feel. Keep up the great work and happy New Year. 😀

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@JohnLumagui]

Man, this video came just in time! I'm sitting here suffering from flu, and Miles + Jackson made me feel a little better. Have a safe (and healthy!) 2024. Mmmmm...Nyquil...(CARRIER LOST)

[@MilesinTransit]

Oof, get well soon!

[@chrisrobarge8034]

Love you and getting to spend time with your content! It's hard to pick a favorite but the time I got to spend with the Boston/MA Diner video, as someone who lives in Worcester nearby the old Lunch Car Co.

[@MilesinTransit]

That's awesome, thank you so much!

[@Petern-e6f]

Best review of the Zephyr...and I think I've seen them all! So painfully meta. Thank you! Therapy in motion.

[@MilesinTransit]

Really appreciate that, there's a lot of them out there - thank you!

[@1ralpht]

Happy New Yea rand Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Miles, from Ontario Canada. Loved the content in 2023 and looking froward to more in 2024.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you!

[@TomJudson]

I’ve been waiting for this video for two years! And it was worth the wait!

[@TomJudson]

P.S. Jackson, you said “it begs the question…” when you meant “raises the question.” You are generally so meticulous so I thought you would appreciate the clarification.

[@tommesob5099]

Have to admit, this video and the last one with the long bus trip were a perfect ending for the year. I enjoy these videos a lot. I hope for some amazing Greyhound Trips in 2024 :D. Keep on the good work :)

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@KoiMorris]

Great video and review! I might do this trip next year, but in the other direction. It was nice to see you and Jackson both together in coach. For 2023 videos, it's hard to choose a favorite, but I'd say the Boston diner video was a real good one! I loved the music in that video. Happy New Year and Happy Travels in 2024! Hopefully we'll meet up at some point next year.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@VegasInsight]

first time i watched one of your videos. a buddy recommended your train travels a couple of weeks ago, and within a week of subscribing, this video pops up. i will be taking the CA Zephyr this May, so this was the perfect first video to watch. thankfully i'll have a sleeper car for the trip. the 9-hour delay in getting into Chicago concerns me.

[@MilesinTransit]

If it makes you feel any better, it seems like it's been relatively on time recently!

[@Mtsplash]

Fraser actually has a cute little station building with couches and stuff. Also of note, there's a special ski train service directly between Denver and Winter Park during the winter. It's quite popular. The section between Moffat Tunnel and Denver has some incredible views and complex RR engineering if you get to see it during the day. Fraser to Denver was my first ever time on Amtrak. Memories.

[@Ianman258]

So happy to see you making more videos out west!! Miles and Jackson taking on the whole country one train at a time

[@MSP_aviation]

My favourite Miles in Transit thing of 2023 watching the Diners in Boston video, doing a school project on diners in Massachusetts and visiting all of my local diners and I made a video about it, I guess most of it isn’t you but you were the first diner diner in my diner saga, thank you for listening to my sentence.

[@MilesinTransit]

Wait, you did a school project on Massachusetts Diners??

[@Vocalzone_covers]

Another great video. Thanks for all your content. As a brit I liked the geoff Marshall reference and also love the subtle spongebob bits you put it. It's all really entertaining.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much!

[@GraniteJet]

I was getting dejavu with this video until I realized that the end is the prelude for the overnight in Chicago video. As for favorite video, it's definitely the one where Boston provided a weird army of buses to substitute the Orange Line. I have it saved on my phone to watch when I need to be cheered up during cold, overnight support shifts in a Humvee. It has such a weird, manic energy to it that only transit/foamer people can relate to. Thanks Miles, and here's to 2024.

[@MilesinTransit]

Ooh, that's such a fun one! It's an honor that my dumb Orange Line bus video is on your comfort viewing list!

[@bobsykes]

I love it! How you and Jackson both managed to maintain such positive attitudes and keep your sense if humor while sitting still for 9 hours total throughout that trip is a wonder. The looks at each station along the way was awesome. Davis, CA was home for nine years and I know that station like the back of my hand from Capitol Corridor commuting. Glad I found your channel!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@paulhaustein4992]

I look forward to every video, can’t wait for more in 2024!!

[@JonathanVCann]

I like how we're able to piece together what looks like an incredible summer trip from multiple videos. 2023 highlight, hmm...I want to pick something no one else will have picked so I'll say the difference in tone between the Fastest Atlanta Streetcar Rider Alive thumbnail ("WHOOOOAAAA!!!") and the actual video ("oh god it's so slow") was very funny to me. But you've put out a ton of great content in the year I've been following you (it's a tough choice but the Amtrak videos might be my favorites, tied with Boston diners) and I'm excited to see what else you'll do in the future. Thanks for showing off so many interesting routes and places while I've been unable to travel myself 🙂

[@MilesinTransit]

I think you're probably the only person who would pick Fastest Atlanta Streetcar Rider Alive, and I appreciate that, because that was NOT a particularly good video and I think its quality was reflected in the view count! ;)

[@redlinedreamin]

My favorite 2023 video is the Least Used Station in Vermont, I've always wanted to take the train up there and it looks like you made the most of your time in Windsor. Always great to see what you do next!

[@MilesinTransit]

It's a beautiful town, absolutely worth the trip. Thank you so much!

[@capchemist]

I used to work in the building directly across the street from the Emeryville station!! Love your warm open.

[@ATrainVideo]

30:00 You'll be glad to know they finally started rebuilding the station platforms at Ottumwa after your trip. This includes restoring the roofs to the canopies. They're getting close to finishing the north platform as of December 2023.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank God

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi there, Thank you for the great video with wonderful views. Finally someone features someone traveling in coach! New subscriber and happy to follow your travels. Happy New Year, Peter

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks Peter, happy new year to you as well!

[@elsa-g1e]

Thank you for the videos this year! I’m watching from Australia, and the likelihood of ever travelling to the US is very low for me, but I’ve enjoyed all of your videos that I’ve watched this year. My absolute favourite video this year has to be your new diner video - we don’t have anything like that here! I love seeing how public transport differs from what I’m used to in my state. Have a wonderful new year!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much, you too!

[@frejatotheworld]

My favorite Miles in Transit thing of this year just has to be the Great Race to New York, as it brought out all the best things of your channel together: transit I didn't know about, your amazing editing with Jacksons amazing Music, great 'side characters', and the overwhelming feeling of an adventure! I'm excited for what you got in store for us in the next year! Btw I heard there's a Miles in Transit Discord server? Is the invite publicly available somewhere or is it for patreons only?

[@MilesinTransit]

It's unofficial but very active: discord.gg/Z3g8s5UX

[@frejatotheworld]

@@MilesinTransit Alright thank you!

[@BrentFiore]

- the amazing songs! Diner Factory and the Hanging out in New York were my favorites - anything you and Aleena. Loved your off the cuff chat on the Savannah ferry about Amtrak, the Patreon video riding a Fineview bus and gushing over Pittsburgh, and your solar system run

[@MilesinTransit]

New Aleena video coming next week!

[@TheAdrianMc]

I drive those AC Transit buses! I took the Zephyr by myself when I was 17 in 2001! It was the best travel experience I've ever had! I met some amazing people in both directions and will eventually do it again! I might want to spend more for the sleeper experience though.

[@MilesinTransit]

That's awesome! We rode one to get to Emeryville and it was one of those hydrogen powered ones.

[@jordansegall4484]

I am elated because I love your Philly videos but also love the fact that you came to sacramento

[@arxligion]

11:20 fun fact, spaceman spiff strip landscapes are based off of an older comic called krazy kat which in turn draws inspiration from the desert of Arizona

[@PeevedLatias]

I've been really enjoying the least used videos, they're really pleasant. keep it up next year, it's been great.

[@MilesinTransit]

Will do, more to come!

[@williampamula290]

yayy it's finally out nice seeing y'all pass through "rosewood" Roseville. Hope to meet y'all someday

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks for foaming our train!!

[@experiment0x3c3]

Happy new year Miles! Amtrak sleeper trains are definitely something I'd like to experience some day, they seem so scenic!

[@samwhite1039]

Great video Miles! I can't wait for the next one!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks!

[@archlinuxrussian]

The Zephyr between CA and Denver truly is amazing. My impression is that the delays seem to happen east of Denver in the plains, which may initially be unintuitive, but so much freight is out there. I wish train service were more reliable 😕

[@4gfoley906]

Great vid! I grew up in Galesburg and knew exactly where you were sitting in the corn. The other line you saw is the ex Santa Fe transcon route that the southwest chief uses. If you’re ever back in the area I’d recommend a layover - lots of fun shops and restaurants walking distance from station. You were on the wrong side of the train to see the few old pieces of rolling stock the train museum has - lots of RR history in the town as well.

[@jjstevens9261]

"Spaceman Spiff landscapes" ! Exactly what i've thought for soo long, lol!

[@carytodd7211]

Great video. Ive never been on a train that was more than 90 minutes late. It was good to see most people seeming to take it in stride.

[@jonmchang]

Apparently you’ve never ridden Amtrak!

[@ronclark9724]

Nine hours is nothing. I have been sixteen hours late. I have also had trains cancelled as well... When Amtrak falls out of its window, they fall further and further behind... The transcontinental main lines Amtrak runs on west of Chicago, and the main lines east of Chicago have heavy freight traffic moving the bulk goods around America coast to coast.

[@chicagolandrailfan143]

My favorite part of your channel this year was the great race to New York. I enjoyed watching all the chaos and drama that occurred in those videos.

[@MilesinTransit]

That was so much fun to do. Thank you!

[@ziggypwner]

I look forward to another year of great videos, I was happy to just see you pop up! As a SoCal based foamer, I hope you make it out here for our extensive wonderful transit we’ve opened in the past year and will open in the next year

[@MilesinTransit]

Definitely, SoCal is doing some incredible transit expansion right now!

[@erik7647]

This is my dream trip 🥰 I hope to someday take transit from Montréal to Chicago with my boyfriend and dad and take thw zephyr down to California. I'm legally blind so I appreciate you showing getting out at the stops and the platforms, I have never taken amtrak yet so it helps me prepare for my trip a lot!

[@aliciadear]

The adobe joke was very good.

[@DuluthTW]

Horses, cows, major rivers, beautiful scenery, and catchy tunes. This was a great video to finish off 2023. My favorite video was A Fairly Aimless Video About Visiting Duluth in December (and why you should too). It's what got me addicted to your channel, I even made it through one entire Diner video. I swear I'll finish the Boston one before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31st. It is over three hours long and I have somewhat of a life to live. Thanks for sharing your adventures Miles, and your musical talent Jackson!

[@MilesinTransit]

Thank you so much for watching! I always appreciate your comments!

[@adamreelfs9635]

I love your content Miles! I think my favorite video this year was the Helper Utah one, it looks like a really charming small town.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much! Helper was wonderful.

[@tombowers3681]

okay this was a swell video of the Zephyr, frustrating that it operates like that. I only found your channel this year so I've been going through many of your older videos, but my favorite is still the Philly diners epic triptych. Second favorite is the WAWA station video but really I've enjoyed everything you've been putting out. Keep up the good work, looking forward to whatever 24 brings

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@dianethulin1700]

I took the CA Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville from XMas Eve earlier this week. Since it was Christmas with less freight traffic the train was EARLY! I was able to visit with my sister who lives in Utah at SLC for an hour layover. I’m going to stay in Helper in a few months. Can’t wait!

[@MilesinTransit]

Oh that's so awesome! Have a great trip!

[@joebehrdenver]

You guys are a riot! A+ content.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@Peace2Mateo]

Hmm my favorite miles in transit moment was actually a collab you did on the A train in Far Rockaway, but I also like these random things like visiting every diner or the recent Megabus trip...it just feels comfy idk how to describe it.

[@MilesinTransit]

The A train collab was so much fun! Thank you!

[@Mpugs]

The Zypher salute is the best clip of the year

[@MikeAndMichelle]

Legit great video, and honestly we accidentally stumbled upon your channel earlier this year, and love all of the content! My favorite moments was actually one of the first we watched, your series on the race to NYC. Perhaps, once our channel is getting up to speed in 2024, maybe you'd like to collaborate on a race?

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much! No promises but definitely let me know!

[@himbourbanist]

ah dude I was hoping you'd release another long distance Amtrak trip again soon, I love these. I'm doing the full Empire Builder in coach in the Spring, your channel has really inspired me to get out and travel a lot more.

[@MilesinTransit]

That's so awesome to hear - have a great trip!

[@delibakerytravel]

I Enjoy Your Channel And You And Your Friends So Much, And The Singing Isn't To Bad. Happy New Year From San Diego.🌴

[@MilesinTransit]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@lponm]

I enjoyed the CT and Long Island train and ferry adventure. I've driven around that route, including the car ferry, and I know most people aren't going to use public transit, so it's fun to watch and hope they'll do something about it. You would think such a populated area would have better service, especially with connections. I loved the Megabus video, it really is horrible that if we can't have great trains we also can't have good bus service. Our city is looking at making changes to the old Greyhound bus station and meanwhile millions get spent at the airport on I think a third recent major renovation. Happy new year! I got at least one friend hooked on your videos.

[@MilesinTransit]

Thanks so much!

[@JessicaTTG]

Surprised y'all didn't do a clip for Winnemucca (between Reno and Elko) which, at 257 miles, is the closest Amtrak station to Boise following the Pioneer's untimely discontinuance.

[@MilesinTransit]

I specifically avoided it because I didn't want to spoil the least used Amtrak station in Nevada!

[@David-sx6wn]

Giving me flashbacks to my LA to Chicago trip on the Southwest Chief. I was also delayed for around 9 hours due to a combination of slow freight trains and the death of BOTH of our locomotives. We ended up getting towed by a slow freight locomotive for the last 100 miles. It was a journey haha