I think it’s because in the US cars effectively “won.” Even if mid and long distance passenger rail were more of a thing, you’ll have to rent a car at your dest

I think it’s because in the US cars effectively “won.” Even if mid and long distance passenger rail were more of a thing, you’ll have to rent a car at your destination anyway. In other words, with just a car you can get anywhere you want in the continental US in 2-3 days. With just passenger rail (or commercial air travel, etc.), you can get to passenger terminals in a lot of places, but that’s about it.