USA’s most beautiful stations … Amtrak offering free ride … Railspeak

East 42nd Street facade, Grand Central Terminal, New York City.
East 42nd Street facade, Grand Central Terminal, New York City. © Grand Central Terminal

USA: 12 Most Beautiful Train Stations in the country
Spoiler: They’re pretty much all called Union Station. [cntraveler.com]

Amtrak Is Giving Away Free Trips on Its Most Scenic Routes
For aspiring rail riders with a knack for social media creativity, Amtrak just announced a new residency program that will match selected candidates with free trips on some of the most scenic rail routes. [thrillist.com]

UK/USA: Railroad or railway?
A round-up of railway terms related to train travel in Britain that may differ from American understandings. [anglotopia.net]

USA: See a week of Amtrak trips on one animated map
This animation shows how every Amtrak train in America is scheduled to move, over the course of one typical week. [ggwash.org]

No Pants Subway Ride 2019: Photos From Around The World
Passengers on public transport systems around the world were treated (if that’s the word) to the sight of their fellow commuters’ underwear during the 18th annual “No Pants Subway Ride.” [newsweek.com]

UK: The Return of London’s 1930s Futuristic Subway Car
The London Transport Museum is bringing three charming-but-antiquated Q Stock carriages back to life. [citylab.com]

Asia: It’s still a dirty job, but new vomit vacuum will help Tokyo station staff do it
While many agendas were filled with joyful year-end parties, train station staff in Tokyo often faced a more disgusting reality at railway hubs across Japan’s capital. [japantimes.co.jp]