The quietest train station in the USA with only 247 passengers revealed
A sparsely populated town in Texas has claimed the title for the least-used Amtrak train station in the United States, with only 247 passengers passing through in a year. Sanderson, Texas, located in Terrell County, is home to this remote station, which serves as a stop for the long-distance Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle trains.
Despite its low passenger numbers, Sanderson recently underwent a $3 million renovation in 2021 to add amenities like an open-air shelter, concrete platform, and walkways. The station, which has been a train stop since the 1880s, is known for its historical significance and as the “Cactus Capital of Texas”.
Following Sanderson, the next least-used stations include Montgomery and Alderson in West Virginia, as well as Thurmond in West Virginia. These stations saw minimal passenger traffic in 2023, with numbers ranging from 266 to 466 passengers for the year.
Moving to another state, Rensselaer, Indiana, emerged as the fifth quietest station in the US, with only 509 passengers recorded in 2023. Despite being close to Chicago, this station struggled to attract more passengers, even with the Cardinal train passing through.
In stark contrast, the busiest train station in the US, Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York, welcomed over 10.2 million passengers in 2023. Serving as a hub for various transportation services, including Amtrak, NJ Transit, Long Island Rail Road, and the subway, this station sees a daily influx of 650,000 commuters.
With such disparity between the quietest and busiest train stations in the US, it highlights the diverse travel patterns and preferences across the country.
Insights:
The article sheds light on the lesser-known and quieter side of train travel in the US, showcasing how certain remote stations struggle with low passenger numbers despite their historical significance. It also underscores the stark comparison between these quiet stations and bustling hubs like Moynihan Train Hall in New York, reflecting the varied transportation needs and usage patterns in different regions of the country. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility and connectivity in ensuring efficient and well-utilised public transport services.