That argument (the “rural areas need the train” one) isn’t as simple as we make it. Sure, you may need to drive a significant distance to catch it. That part of the argument doesn’t hold water. However, in rural communities served by train, Amtrak makes up a higher proportion of mid-long distance trips as compared to cars. It’s far more visible as a small-town travel option than it is in some major cities (Cincinnati and Houston for instance) and is patronized in an outsize way per population. The lack of air travel options in rural areas doesn’t help.
Of course, the obvious solution is to serve those large cities more effectively.
Of course, the obvious solution is to serve those large cities more effectively.
