I’ve heard all sorts of conflicting opinions on how to revive passenger rail in the US. I don’t think we can just build a new ultra high speed network from scratch right now. I’d settle for this as a start:

1. Run 110 MPH trains on upgraded existing tracks to major cities.
2. Make these frequent and on time, giving them priority over freight. Get people used to frequent reliable train travel.
3. Expand where demand builds.
4. Do the above while planning and building a modern high speed rail network.

We will learn a lot just by running a country wide 110 MPH network for a few years - stuff we have forgotten.

How do we pay for this: shift Federal subsidies for air travel and NEW highways towards rail.