Unlike in the US, long-distance passenger trains are becoming more and more popular in Europe, with faster and faster ones slowly becoming even preferred over flights for medium-sized trip lengths. Your last line, John, applies to the US, but not to Europe, I don't think. I'm glad too -- modern trains are very comfortable, silent, and relaxing, and also way more environment-friendly than cars, planes, or buses (being electric).

I think in the US long-distance trains will die off (I hate Amtrak with a passion anyway so I'd not cry...goodness what an awful company) but I think regional commuter trains will gain importance, as well as trams and the like. Salt Lake City, for example, is going to open a pretty long commuter train line (sadly diesel and not electric) in 2008 with a pretty long line expected to be in place by 2030. Also, in the recent elections, Salt Lake county (including me) voted for a $100/year property tax increase (and for such a Republican state, that's a huge deal) to expedite the building of four new light rail lines, including one to the airport. Both of these will be good and not only aleviate traffic problems but also help with the air quality. Hopefully other cities that don't have such systems in place will follow suit. LA comes to mind as aplce that really needs better public transportation.

On a side note, this site here has neat rail maps in cities all over the world if anyone's interested in this stuff as I am:
urbanrail.net/

________________________
Dan1113
Dan1113 | Tailfeathers Network | The World Of Politics