Trains rock, but most of our rail service is for freight. Large cities have very well developed rail systems, but between them passenger rail exists, but it is expensive and slow compared to flying, and run by the government so runs at a loss all the time, sad really. Easter Seaboard cities have (from what i have read) pretty good commuter rail from Amtrack. Proud to say Mpls is getting it's second light rail line soon, they had to fight tooth and nail for it, but it is happening, first one was successful beyond all expectation, as here the bus is considered "ghetto" while the train is somehow not. We are light years behind New York or Chicago however when it comes to public transportation, rail service in particular.