Why is rail travel so unpopular in the US, even in high-density regions?
For the time being, travel by car is still comparable to rail; with the added flexibility and independence (which Americans cherish) the additional cost is usually considered worth it. There are significant factors of convenience and efficiency as well. Most rail stations, where they still exist, are in out of the way places which are difficult to get to. Schedules tend to be sketchy and less than convenient, especially for after-work hours. In addition, many previously existing rail corridors are no longer available. With the rise of the automobile, many local and regional rail lines went out of business. Rather than allow the market to correct the problem by consolidation and competition (as happens in every other changing industry), the US government basically took over – effectively driving the remaining companies out of business. Since then, many of the properties which would be needed to maintain or revive a working rail system have passed into private hands or been seized by var
