Sluggo on 4/15/2009 7:16:03 AM:
West to east is the norm as there is a greater chance of tailwind and logistics can work better for you. Shuttle expensive? For one definitely. For four, not so much. The train charges per person and bike, the shuttle usually is one cost for up to four riders as it is basically the same distance and time for the driver. Trains leave and arrive at Amtrak convenience, seldom on schedule, and shuttles do this at the riders convenience.Considering actual vehicle costs and total mileage(double what the customer pays for) the driver makes less than 30 cents per mile. IF they can average 50 miles an hour with loading and unloading and driving delays they are lucky to make $15 an hour. And although people routinely tip a cab driver for the ride, shuttle drivers rarely receive tips. Personally, I'd rather give my money to a small businessman that caters to my time than a corporation that lobbies the government for subsidies and then makes it difficult for cyclists to use their service.