[brimble]

I'd prefer Amtrak over aircraft for lots and lots of my travel, if not for this. Hell, I'd probably travel more total, too. Even if the price were the same as flying for a given destination.

The huge trip-duration and arrival-time uncertainty due to the shared rail, and having to defer to cargo trains, is what sinks it, for me. They can vary by large double digit percentages of the nominal time, at which point they're usually much slower than just driving.

I love how relaxing and comfortable they are and not having the security circus and dealing with crowded, distant-from-the-city airports, but not at nearly-air-travel prices and a 25-75% time premium over driving.

[stevage]

Yeah it was amazing living in France where rail is often faster, and sometimes much faster than driving. And often quicker than air travel when going from city centre to city centre.

[bluGill]

Sure, now try shipping freight in France...

[LargoLasskhyfv]

They had that, for a while https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNCF_TGV_La_Poste

There is also this https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2021/01/05/new-claim... Supposedly, don't know if it's in regular operation, or has been a publicity stunt.