A fair analysis except that, like some other posters, you're missing the medium haul Amtrak services that are found in a number of areas, notably in the Midwest - specifically Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. These routes are used by business people, students, educators and politicians among other groups. There's a lot of criticism of Amtrak and US public transportation in general and I think a lot of it is unfounded. Yes, we love our cars, private, personal transport is part of the American psyche. And getting funding for public transportation is often a struggle. But I believe we've turned a corner with the new infrastructure funding now beginning to impact public transportation here. Look what's happening in NYC, for instance, with the big Penn Central/ MTA/LIRR projects. And some new routes are in the offing around the various states. In short, it's not all doom and gloom over here Passenger rail is still alive and kicking.
Yes, passenger service trains are making a very, I mean very, slow progression in the US. But, at the current time, beginning of 2023, they are considerably behind the freight companies in the US. Not saying passenger services can't, won't improve. But currently, freight is KING. Like it or love. One turns billions in profit every year. The other hasn't been profitable in decades.
This is a topic for another thread but the biggest issue is the cost for the distance you go on top of it taking forever to reach your destination. For example for me to go NY to Boston it was showing me $120 by amtrak local in about 4hrs, a greyhound is about 30 dollars. and takes nearly the same time. while the uk has alot of budget carriers in terms for rail and air travel stuff. but here it is so expensive people either drive or spend more to fly and get there in less time.
