[Fraxinus]

As for the railroads, they did that to themselves. They priced themselves out of the markets years ago. People have found that hauling freight by truck is much cheaper and quicker. With a truck, you can take the load right to the location where it is needed

I believe that the Private railroads in this country are actually profitable, and have been for decades. CSX was bought by private firms after a bidding contest (about 6 years ago if I remember correctly).
What the interstates did was, with the connivance of the Automakers et al, to destroy passenger rail. Where if you are in a hurry take a plane and auto is often just as fast and much more convenient and normally cheaper (especially with a family).

[old_sage_says]

Actually, CSX and NS (Norfolk Southern) purchased the Pennsylvania Railway in the mid to late 90's. Orignally, NS made a bid for PRR, and CSX made one a bit higher. The state of PA forced both companies to purchase the old PRR at a much higher cost. The state of PA is very protective of its homestate businesses. Remember what they did to Hershey Foods a few years back?