In the UK, the rail network is similar - cost to the taxpayer is huge, and since we allowed private firms to operate the trains and collect/set fares, it's actu

In the UK, the rail network is similar - cost to the taxpayer is huge, and since we allowed private firms to operate the trains and collect/set fares, it's actually much more expensive (compared to gas/petrol price for a single trip, at least) to take the train than to drive, especially if you're going a long way (a few hundred miles is a long way in the UK, for reference.) Of course, the choice is less stark than that because car tax, insurance, and cost of maintenance make trains cheaper for the journey patterns of many people, especially young people and students - who make a few long journeys a year, and also get discounted tickets (1/2 under 16, 1/3 off under 25.)