Making passenger rail work

From "Running Like a Clock ... and Fast," in the New York Times:

On overseas trips, many American business travelers do what is almost unthinkable back home: they take the train. And they board in increasing numbers, as high-speed rail service expands in Europe, China and Japan.

“I wouldn’t even consider taking the train in the U.S. except along the Northeast Corridor — and that might be just a commuter train from North White Plains to New York,” said Ralph Smith, who searches the globe for low-cost supplies for the Tennant Company of Minneapolis, a maker of industrial cleaning machines.

“But trains in Europe run like a clock,” he said. “They’re nice and clean and fast. And the rail staffs are very helpful to Americans who kind of don’t know where they’re going.” In contrast to the stressful turmoil of airline travel, rail trips, when done right, can be both efficient and civilized, as travelers like Mr. Smith can attest. They can even be cultural when passengers mingle and talk while viewing scenery through picture windows.

“What do you see out the window at 37,000 feet?” French rail executives like to say when they make their pitch.