Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2023
Document Type
Capstone Project
Degree Name
M.A.
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Tomoaki Imamichi
Subject Categories
Cognition and Perception | Environmental Studies | Other Psychology | Physical and Environmental Geography | Place and Environment | Social Justice | Tourism
Keywords
environmental psychology, travel and tourism, future of travel, social and environmental justice, train travel
Abstract
Long-distance train travel in the United States is slow, inefficient and woefully underfunded. Trains are routinely delayed for freight traffic. Many major cities are served in the middle of the night, or not at all. And the cost of a sleeping compartment is far out of reach for most Americans. This is all in stark contrast to the reliable services offered across Europe and parts of Asia. But for the 3.5 million people who ride Amtrak’s long-distance trains every year, the experience can be a fulfilling one. This web-based project, slowspeedrail.com, explores these benefits, namely, an intimacy with the landscape unique to other forms of travel, a closer connection to fellow passengers from different walks of life, and a state of mind where time seems warped, a welcome contrast to our ever-accelerating lives. At a time when air travel continues to endanger our warming planet, this topic is of increasing relevance.
Recommended Citation
Gragnani, Vincent, "Slow Speed Rail: The Social, Psychological and Environmental Benefits of Long-Distance Train Travel" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5362
Archived website as a WARC file, created using Conifer – web archive player available at https://replayweb.page/
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Social Justice Commons, Tourism Commons
Comments
Online component: https://www.slowspeedrail.com/