Historically I have been a big supporter of trains in the US. Recently, I have decided that the cost may not be worth the benefit if future technology is consi

Historically I have been a big supporter of trains in the US. Recently, I have decided that the cost may not be worth the benefit if future technology is considered. The future is going to involve self driving busses, self driving cars, self driving trucks etc. The primary thing I enjoy about the train is the additional space. Fundmantally, that is the problem with trains too. If they jammed people on a train the way they jam them on a bus, it should drive the profits up. Amtrak sells out a lot of routes in the north east while competing with $20 bus tickets. In 20 years, self driving busses should replace trains as the up front cost is lower and the market is freer. I'd argue that any money considered spent on trains should be put to better use. (Added) I think it is safe to assume all vehicles will run on electric and batteries in the distant future, further reducing train advantages.