skywrites8

skywrites8 t1_ircri0v wrote

It's all about where the funding comes from- lots of funding for local highways. Not many want to go to bat with freight companies who rule the rail. Infuriating indeed :/

Also, highways were a very convenient way to keep black people out of white communities. Very important note in why the interstate system got so much support.

2

skywrites8 t1_ircgp87 wrote

CSX basically has a monopoly on U.S. rail. They've had a longstanding battle with Amtrack over passenger rail. The rail system in the U.S. has almost always been a monopoly system, owned by $$$$$ freight companies. You can't just decide you want to lay down passenger tracks too, the system is set up to not allow it and the theoretical cost of adding to the rail system is astronomical, far more than many American towns and cities could afford. Very purposefully set so.

6