Leave your car at home and take the train this weekend, as Metro unveils its brand new city-wide subway system!

Just kidding. L.A. does not have the money nor the political brains for that.

May 10th is National Train Day. Amtrak wants to teach you some history about riding the rails in America. You know, traveling like your grandparents did. If you’re looking to get out of town for the weekend, they’re running specials for trips out of Los Angeles. Specifically, 25% off coach fare on three California routes—including Pacific Surfliner trains between San Diego, Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo—for travel on Saturday only.

Fun Facts:

• When Amtrak was created by Congress in 1970 to take over passenger rail services, it eliminated over half of the passenger routes operated by the freight railroad companies.
• Out of the 25 busiest Amtrak stations in 2006, L.A. ranked number 5.
• The Acela Express is the fastest train in North America, operating a speeds up 150mph. It runs from Boston to New Haven.
• The official spokesman for national Train Day is Al Roker. Because weather and trains go together.

Photo from Doug Letterman’s photostream

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1. Train Crash
2. The Train Will Win
3. Coastal bullet train may never hit the tracks
4. Trainblogging
5. My little neighborhood find today…