Why Trains Suck in America

At one time, America’s railroads were king. It’s a very pleasant way to travel. You have more legroom than planes or buses, you don’t have to drive or navigate pr pump gas, and the view along the way is unique. But the last time I rode a train was in the 1970s, and I hear that riding a train now is as expensive as a plane trip and slower than driving. There aren’t many passenger trains available anymore. Wendover Productions looks at the reasons why. Of course, it boils down to money and infrastructure (which costs money). Even freight trains don’t carry as much cargo as they should, but that’s a subject for another day. (via reddit)