Some travelers opting for train travel amid shutdown flight concerns

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Amid concerns about the government shutdown, TSA, and flight delays and cancellations, some travelers are opting to take the train instead.

Verlissa Brown from Florida wasn't expecting to be at Raleigh's Union Station, but it was the only way to make it up north for her brother's funeral.

"There's too much happening now, everything is so messed up at this point, I don't think anyone should be taking planes," Brown said.

She said with the ongoing shutdown, she didn't want to take any chances flying.

"You probably wouldn't be there on time same thing happened to a friend of mine. They got on the plane, everything was good, five minutes later, they're asking everybody to get off the plane, you see, that was terrible," she said.

Frankie McLean from New York was in the same boat, visiting his sick mom in Raleigh, deciding the train would be better than the bus.

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"That's the next best thing, more comfortable on the train, better than the buses. It's tight, plus I'm a big guy, you know? The train ride was smooth," McLean said. "I might start taking the train more often, actually."

Amtrak ticket workers told ABC11 that in the past few weeks, they've seen a slight uptick in sales.

Now, some travelers are just hoping the government gets back on track.

"Hopefully, they clear this thing up soon, and we'll be back to normal," McLean said.

There is light at the end of the tunnel: On Monday night, the Senate passed a bill to reopen the government. The measure now goes to the House.

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