> Like ConRail 2.0 or on a more permanent basis?

I guess? I'll be honest, I don't really care if the solution is nationalization or simply just better anti-trust/competition regulations and better labor protections (with actual enforcement). Because right now both all of us in American society and the railroad workers are getting fucked. Especially the railroad workers.

As you said, no way could it be worse than what the railroads have turned into.