the more humane way to travel?

On the train to Montreal and I just realized we're stopping 7 times before we arrive. Pas de probleme, I guess, since at least I'm not taking the bus. (The scenery is also nicer than if I were on the bus or plane.)

The train is half the price of flying and doesn't incur the same incidental costs like a taxi to and from the airport. We also arrive 20 minutes before to catch the train, whereas the plane would be at least an hour. As well, there will be no waiting for luggage at the carousel. We're on a slower train, but travelling by train could be as fast as four and a half hours. Including time to get to the aiport, security checks, and luggage time, I wonder how much quicker is flying from Pearson?

The train isn't perfect though. Seating should be assigned. Otherwise, double seats are taken over by just one single traveller, as if we're on the TTC. Also, electrical outlets would be appreciated. Five hours on a train goes by easier with laptop use or not having to worry about an iPod going dead. Finally, wi-fi is too pricey. Four bucks for fifteen minutes? Give me a break. Five bucks for the train ride, tops. I guarantee usage would go up. Then again, without outlets, I guess there's no use.

Everyone on the train do seem calmer though. No frantic pressure to keep you entertained, like on a plane. No canned fish freaking out, like on a bus. If it could drop to 100 for a round trip, I might take the train to Montreal once a month, just to get away now and then. I'd consider it therapy, and money well spent.

UPDATE: The return train had outlets against the train wall-covered by the brown paper throw up bags. It's still kinda cramped though to use.