Just to throw some thoughts out there....

Aircraft took over from trains because, supossedly, they offered speed. What they really offered was a chance to be more productive since you could get to your destination in hours and not days. Airlines charged more, but you could make more money if you took them.

Now... You can, in some cases, work with your laptop and cell phone like you are at the office. If you board a high-speed in Dallas bound for St. Louis you could be there in three hours (with a one hour stop in Tulsa) which is about one hour more than by air. Chicago would be a six hour trip from Dallas, really seven since you would need to be there about an hour ahead of time to check-in and what not.

It would also be comfortable and not so much subject to delays. You could be as productive as if you were in your own office if you wished, or you could wander into the dining car and/or smoking car and really relax.

I am old enough to remember rail travel. It was slow and boring, but it was better than being beat to death on a piston driven airliner. When Jets took over it was good-by rail!

Could it be time to say good-by airtravel?