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[quote user="Prairietype"] Lot of people compare U.S. passenger rail with that of other countries, most frequently Japan, and countries in Europe.The subject of privatization comes up frequently. Most of these other countries don't have privately owned railroads, or, if there is some semi-private arrangement there is still extraordinary government subsidy.So why should the United States try something that doesn't really exist elsewhere? [/quote]The question could be turned on its head.  Why not?The U.S. has a long history of favoring regulated free markets as opposed to state controlled markets because they are more efficient.  However, in the transport arena, U.S. government action has masked the true cost of transportation, e.g. the full cost of driving is not reflected at the pump.Privatization of rail passenger service, in some markets, could work if the true cost of the alternative modes of transport where passed on directly to the user.  Alas, as long as commercial transportation remains a sandbox for politicians to play in, the probability of privatization of passenger rail is unlikely.  This means that we will continue to waste resources on modes that are inefficient in a given market, i.e. automobiles for commuting in large urban areas, airplanes for short haul flights, and long distance trains.  And wasted resources means there is less money available for other priorities.
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