Bob, I have to agree with you there. Unfortunately, you're in the wrong "country" (considering the California economy's size) for that to happen. We have first-world wants on a second-world budget spent with all the attention to corruption and reality of the third world. With a few minor exceptions.

If they can survive until then, I suspect that in 10 years or so Metrolink in LA and Coaster in SD will begin to grow into a world-class regional rail system. Really, they have to, as an alternative to freeway trips, if the economy of that area is to survive. The only way they will be able to run at the needed speeds and frequencies will be with separate tracks in places (avoid freight interference) and grade separations (safety and reducing traffic congestion). Their current grade separation programs - with major local funding - will be of great benefit then. With all their faults, BART and SMART and Caltrain in the Bay Area will be of similar value (though SMART and Caltrain need more grade separations and more stable funding to really grow). Other parts of the state that can't muster the political will to generate their own money will continue to grumble and gripe, and lose out economically. Federal and state help is, rightly, focused on interregional and interstate travel; for the rest, TANSTAAFL.