Well, here's an example. The route between Moscow and St. Petersburg (about 400 miles, about the same as LA to SF) is a very popular train route. Flying between

Well, here's an example. The route between Moscow and St. Petersburg (about 400 miles, about the same as LA to SF) is a very popular train route. Flying between these cities makes no sense because a high speed train between them takes 4 hours and you board and get off right in the middle of each city. If you were flying you'd need to get to the airport, pass through security, fly, collect baggage, get to the destination city. So train ends up being faster, cheaper and much much more comfortable.