Jon Gertner:

This is a story not about Amtrak but about trains, and the problem with any story about trains in America is that you often find yourself thinking about Amtrak, and you often find yourself thinking about how nice it would be if you weren't thinking about Amtrak. This is especially true when you're actually riding on Amtrak.

You see:

That's not grime you're seeing, it's historical charm.

J.M. Harper:

This is not my home.

Also in the archive:

Train Runs Through Bangkok Market

Model Railroad Slums

Getting Up to Speed