The rail tracks in much of the western states are owned by the freight industry, and Amtrak leases time on them. As a result, the tracks and schedules are freig

The rail tracks in much of the western states are owned by the freight industry, and Amtrak leases time on them. As a result, the tracks and schedules are freight-oriented, not passenger-oriented. This means the tracks are not graded for high-speed relative lightweight passenger rolling stock. Also, the passenger trains need to fit into the schedules dictated by the freight traffic. Which is really a shame. The track from SF through Lake Tahoe runs just past Sugar Bowl and into Truckee, and is about 180 miles. A ski train would be really easy.