The only way we'll ever get better train service in America is if the airlines and the TSA finally manage to make air travel so unutterably hellish that Americans demand better trains.
The rising cost of jet fuel is making short-hop air travel less economically attractive than passenger rail. Already the airlines are infuriating the customers with surcharges for "fat" passengers and carry-on luggage.
Since there is no available substitute for petroleum based jet fuel, this trend will only get worse in the future, and passenger rail will prevail on short, regional trips of 150~600 miles.
Unfortunately rail service is still inconvenient, slow, and costs as much as a plane ticket.
The grey dog isn’t any better but you get the joy of nasty, scary passengers and stations.
Why shouldn't a person who takes up two seats pay for two seats?