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I would offer this observation as well. In Europe, you could board a high-speed train, by walking into the station, and then walking up to the platform....then board. No hassle.

In the US? I would imagine that once everything is done, you’d have to go through a TSA-like entry...show an ID....do a security check on your bags and person, and plan to be at the station at least 60 minutes prior to the ‘leave-time’.

Last week, I rode a German ‘ICE’ train (the high-speed type). It rode into the station, and I had three minutes to find the right car, board, and then it left. I just can’t see Amtrak or any US company running the same type of service, and ensure it runs on time.

I’ve sometimes thought that AMTRAK should change its model to something like in the old days and include a one or two passenger cars with some cargo trains (almost anything not hauling pigs or cows, goes without saying) AND also include a car transporter for the passengers’ cars. Thus when they arrive having not had to drive they have their ow car unloaded (and washed / gassed up?) valet style and have free mobility at their destination.

Do so in corridors where the drive is long and tiresome (or the traffic is just always bad) but the train ride not so long it would be a hassle.

The secret is NOT necessarily faster trains but more departure times and more destinations ... which can be more easily accomplished with hybrid use trains ... combined with the ease of using their own cars.