Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

Amtrak Ads Are Going Full Luxury Car

staff@jalopnik.com (Lalita Chemello) — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:25:00 +0000

It certainly felt like a car ad, but for the public passenger experience.

Why Many Modern Electric Trains Stick With Diesel Engines Over Power Lines Or Batteries

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:05:00 +0000

Despite recent advancements in battery technology and electrification, most freight trains in the U.S. still rely on diesel engines. Here's why.

Abraham Lincoln's First Ride In This Luxurious Presidential Train Car Was Also His Last

staff@jalopnik.com (Shane Schmid) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:05:00 +0000

The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, rode a train made specifically for him during his final year of life - after it had already ended.

3 Sights You Miss If You Take The Longest Train Route In The U.S.

staff@jalopnik.com (Shane Schmid) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 22:25:00 +0000

The United States has an exceptionally long train route spanning across several states. But you can visit more interesting spots if you take a car, instead.

First-Ever Plane Landing On A Moving Train Took Practice With Two Electric Hypercars

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:44:13 +0000

The Rimac Nevera R is far from the typical aerobatic practice tool.

Why GM's Beautiful 1950s Aerotrain Was A Nightmare For Passengers

staff@jalopnik.com (Shane Schmid) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:05:00 +0000

In 1950, GM created the Aerotrain to revolutionize the train industry. But several issues made it awful for passengers to use, and it didn't last long.

America's Most Powerful Locomotive Was So Extreme, Cities Had To Ban It

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:25:00 +0000

In the 1950s, a new kind of locomotive made even extreme hills easy for trains to climb. But this extra-powerful engine came with significant downsides.

Japanese Train Station Inaugurates Third Cat Stationmaster, Yontama

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 13:25:00 +0000

Please, someone, bring high-speed rail to the States so we can have cats run our stations. Imagine how much better our lives would be.

Small-Town Christmas Parade Throws Shade At America's Deadliest Train And Wins Awards

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:25:00 +0000

It's safe to say that people aren't happy that Brightline trains have struck and killed over 190 people since 2017.

San Francisco Muni Driver Appears To Doze Off, Hit A Curve At 50 MPH, Then Tells Passengers To Relax

staff@jalopnik.com (Logan K. Carter) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:25:00 +0000

What appears to be a black BMW narrowly avoided a collision with the speeding train before it finally came to a stop.

Driverless Test Train Already Carrying Passengers And Stopping For Sheep

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:25:00 +0000

A Czech road and rail technology company has been testing a driverless train along a rural 15-mile route between two towns since April.

America's Deadliest Railroad Sued Over Expansion Plans For Tracks It Doesn't Own

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:24:39 +0000

Florida East Coast Railway filed a lawsuit against Brightline for allegedly violating a contract agreement between the two companies.

Maglev Trains Dead In The U.S.

staff@jalopnik.com (Nicholas Werner) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:33:45 +0000

In fairness, it's been a troubled effort.

Nashville Signs Up For Tesla Loop Connecting Airport With Downtown, Neglecting Light Rail Plans

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:25:00 +0000

Why fund an actual public transportation solution when someone is willing to give you a gimmick for free?

China's New Maglev Trains Are Faster Than Planes

staff@jalopnik.com (Nicholas Werner) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:25:00 +0000

If this new maglev tech that China is developing pans out, it ought to be moving at anywhere from two to three times the fastest trains in the world today.

America's Deadliest Train Is Deadlier Than We Thought

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:28:22 +0000

A year-long investigation by the Miami Herald and WLRN found that Brightline trains have killed 182 people since testing began in 2017.

Stephen Miller Says Immigrants Make Traffic Worse, But Of Course Stephen Miller Is Wrong

staff@jalopnik.com (Matthew DeBord) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:19:29 +0000

It doesn't take long to refute Miller's argument, such as it is, and to discover a few inconvenient truths.

NYC's Upset Election Was Drawn Along An Odd Line: Car Ownership

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:53:26 +0000

Car ownership and transit ridership serve as a shorthand for someone's entire living situation - and, apparently, their politics.

President Trump Says He's Pulling Federal Funding From Active California High Speed Rail Project

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:25:49 +0000

At worst, the project has doubled its projected costs.

Florida Man Arrested For Carrying 'Small Arsenal' Onto Amtrak Train

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:25:00 +0000

Authorities found assault rifles, large-capacity magazines, silencers, and a booby-trapped rifle in the man's bag - and he left another gun bag at the station.