[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by nito

Lack of consistent, frequent, punctual, all-day bi-direction service is most likely the biggest issue holding back many North American railway operations. Other reasons include a combination of low-quality rolling stock (aesthetics, accessibility, operating speeds), dilapidated infrastructure (lack of grade separation, quantum of tracks, diversion routes, orbital routes, low line speeds, outdated signalling, mixed low-speed freight and passenger rail traffic), and substandard stations (unmanned, barebones, lack of security, outright unpleasant and decrepit including the major stations).

Stations with bus interchanges do help, but it is far more beneficial to have stations that are at the heart of settlements, accessible in all weather conditions by foot and bike.

america had all these things in spades for generations and let them go away -- caving in to the maddening autocentrism lobby. nobody can destroy itself quite like 'murica can!