Today the WTI benchmark closed below $26.00 barrel . That is less than $0.61 a gallon. How soon that will mirror with diesel and gasoline prices is unknown ? If that comes about what effects will that have on Amtrak ? Of course the persons that recover from Covid 19 will be able to travel if they can get certification that they are virus free ?
Those that travel that are financially well off are going to be enticed with the low gasoline prices compared to Amtrak and airline prices. If any have cars that are aging imagine rental car companies will have dirt cheap rentals available. Have one daughter that already did that for long trips last several year’s holidays.
Unless congress criters include Amtrak with the airline bailout we may see the end of Amtrak.
Irrespective of the very low probability of getting COVID-19 and developing serious complications as a result, the government, through miscommunication and disinformation, has managed to scare the hell out of most of the geezers in my Texas retirement community. They are not going to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
No matter what Amtrak or the airlines do with prices, most of the people that I know are not going to get on a pubic conveyance. If they have to go, they probably will drive.
The few remaining members of my family are about 1,500 miles away. If one of them gets very sick or dies, I would drive. Normally I would fly, but I am not going to sit beside someone on a plane, train, or bus if I can avoid it.
To the extent that the events I have registered for will be held I will be doing a lot of over the road traveling - by myself - keeping social distance from others as much as possible.
Driving may become a problem. Was told couple hours ago Florida has closed all its rest area ? Now if that is true in other states ? Gas stations as an alternate is not very attractive.
You were told incorrectly. Since I drove past a rest area today in Florida, and it was open, I Googled it to make sure I was not loosing my mind. It took me about 10 seconds to find out that Florida reduced its seating in service plaza restaurants by 50% yesterday, but rest areas are still open. Maybe in these odd times, spend the 10 seconds on Google before putting out incorrect information?
In this day and time of the virakl ‘effects’ on society…
Social Distancing may be the least of our issues…
Trailering about, with a race car or two (?) loaded up might not be too problematic .
Commercial drivers with rigs of one 53’ trailer, or a couple pf pups; becomes a whole 'nother set of challenges. 24 hour Truck Stops, may not be available. I understand that Virginia has closed all rest stops, at least they are not, tenporarily(?) providing any ‘services’. THAT might be a ‘trend’ in the next several months(?). Food availability may also become a challenge [C=:-)] due to restaurants not being open due to lack of staff[swg]…
Drivers may find themselves leaving ‘the house’ with a Thermos and a sack of PB&J sandwiches [dinner]
One can only imagine the challenges that will be faced in the headwinds caused by this national ;problem of the novo-coronavirus[banghead]
Our world may be a changing BALT, but life is gonna keep on churning…[:-^] There is that old sayin’, what doesn’t kill ya…Makes us stronger! [sigh][bow]
Drive Salfely! [2c]
If the states close Rest Areas, Truckers covered by HOS Laws won’t have anyplace to get their rest in their trucks. Don’t see closing Rest Areas as doing anything beneficial to combat the spread of the disease.
With most restaurants and the like being closed account of the 10 person limit - where is natures call to be answered?