Who is going to operate these high speed trains? In Europe they appear to be public sector corporations but the US doesn't fare very well with this kind of business structure (Post Office, Amtrak, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Maiden Lane).

Maybe it would be better for the US government to build the rails but for private companies to establish train service. This could give existing transportation service providers an opportunity to expand their operations beyond intercity bus and air travel. For example, maybe Southwest could run 3 trains a day between downtown OKC and downtown Dallas, American could run 2 trains, and Greyhound could run 1; each with different levels of services and on-board amenities. The only requirement is that the trains meet a minimum speed requirement to keep the system flowing. This would also allow service to smaller towns if a provider so chooses.

The goal of HSR should be to eliminate air travel under 3 hours and working with existing airlines could be a win/win. Keep in mind, I am not suggesting that HSR link airports together, just that airlines be allowed to operate HSR rail trains from city center to city center (or wherever the stations end up being – which might include airports).

This is just a thought. Of course, HSR would only make sense linking cities that had local rail at each end.

Here is an article about state owned railways buying each other in Europe.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle5327300.ece