Sardine Expresses are nothing new, even in intercity travel.

While in the military several years ago (1968) and stationed at San Diego, I Frequently traveled to Los Angeles on the ATSF. Often, those trains were sardine cans. Imagine standing for 120 miles! One particular evening train out of LA was hopelessly overloaded. But ATSF apparently had lots of equipment sitting around, as they held the train and went back for more cars and two more F units.

They knew what they were doing too. Got out of LA only 45 minutes late, with double the train (20 coaches); though there were still a few standees in a couple of cars - until Oceanside. We arrived in San Diego about 20 minutes late, just in time to catch the one of the last launches back to my ship's anchorage.

I think they loaded passengers with like destinations in the same cars so as to minimize double-stoping. Still, they double stopped at Oceancide and a couple of other places, but still they managed to make up 20 minutes or so over 120 miles. Wow!

Maybe the 90mph speed limit helped - maybe the limit was stretched a little too!

Oh do I miss those days - at least the train riding! On a real railroad.

OPB