[alexey-salmin]

Perhaps a monopoly is the way for the rail, preferably state-owned.

Generally I'm heavily against both monopolies and state-controlled companies, but railways seem to be a corner-case where all the downsides and inefficiencies are outweighted by a nation-wide system that actually works.

[em-bee]

the tracks should be state-owned, just like public roads, and then train operators should pay for use. (or you could let them use it for free like roads)

that way the state can give priority to passenger rail, and prioritize maintenance and building of rails according to the needs of the people.

it also makes much smaller train operators possible and compete on the same routes.