Although the new route is temporary, American train travel is making a comeback. More than 28.6 million passengers rode Amtrak trains last year, 24.6% more than in 2022. Last December, the Biden-Harris administration shared its plans to invest $8.2 billion in high-speed rail infrastructure, including upgrading and expanding existing lines.

The Sun-Times sent a reporter and photographer on the first run of the Floridian from Chicago to Miami — on one condition. We have to ride the whole way in coach.