Here are 21 U.S. railroad trips that will cost less money — and in some cases less time — than their airline trip equivalents.

After 31 years of service, Metro finally rolled out rail cars with bench-like seating and carpetless flooring the other day. The carpetless cars are part of the 6000 series, while the car with bench seating is in the 3000 series. The cars were unveiled at the National Airport station, which sits on the Blue and Yellow lines. Akin to other subway systems in the country — New York City’s immediately comes to mind, natch — both designs feature stainless steel straps.

Even though these are just test cars, these changes were a long time coming in my mind, particularly the non-carpeted floors. After a spell of foul weather, and particularly in winter, the carpets get filthy and musty. I’m convinced that the mildew that develops contributes significantly to DC’s wintertime ailments. And considering the cost of upkeep, carpets are just not an economical option.

The bench seating looks a little half-assed, though. Those seats don’t match the originals, in fact they look like they’d be more appropriate on a bus, and it’s pretty obvious. As a proof of concept, though, it seems to work.

Yesterday’s commute home from the Fruit Stand took far longer than it should have. It takes me nearly two hours (closer to 1.75 hours) to get home as is; leaving the store 45 minutes late and facing Metro delays on all five lines certainly didn’t help. Instead of getting off the train at Union Station, as I usually do, I alighted at Dupont Circle. At the very least, I was able to transfer to the same bus line I have to take home anyway, I just had a longer ride ahead of me.

And wouldn’t you know, someone left a message on the train …

Indeed.