I believe that true high speed rail is down our list of priorities and will not be suitable for many routes for decades to come.

OTOH, "faster than driving" rail is often quite doable at reasonable prices (see Edmonton-Calgary).

Best Hopes,

Alan

I'd be happy with "as fast as driving" or "nearly as fast as driving." Why? Well, when I'm driving, I have to pay attention to the road (not as if everybody else does, but oh well) and as a result I cannot read a book on the way to my destination. (Or do something more mind-numbing such as watching a show/movie, playing a game, etc.)

Another benefit is that it's not a potentially deadly scenario if I were to fall asleep in transit. :) (That's something that my body likes to do.)