Speed is not the only issue when choosing a mode of travel. If you're focused on quick trips, fly everywhere.

There is nothing wrong with subsidizing a passenger rail system to provide alternatives to travelers. Some prefer to enjoy the scenery and the ride.

By the way, before getting too excited about private companies running passenger train service, keep in mind they lose money all over the world. Amtrak's subsidy is a drop in the bucket compared to highway subsidies. Or compared to spending trillions on useless wars.

Air carriers get their share of subsidy too. The entire security system ought to be private responsibility (paid for by the carriers), but that has been passed off to the federal government. Ticket taxes clearly cannot cover everything including traffic control.

Give Amtrak some more capital and let them build new equipment, improve dining facilities and lounge cars.