While the US was a passenger train pioneer in the 19th century, after WWII, railways began to decline. The auto industry was booming, and Americans bought cars and houses in suburbs without rail connections. Highways (as well as aviation) became the focus of infrastructure spending, at the expense of rail.
Do people hop trains anymore?
The practice was heralded in popular culture of 20th century America with songs such as "King of the Road", and films like Emperor of the North Pole. For a variety of reasons the practice is less common in the 21st century, although a community of freight-train riders still exists.
Why are trains not more popular?
Why do Americans not like trains?
Most American passenger trains travel on tracks that are owned by freight companies. That means most trains have to defer to freight services, leading to lengthy delays that scare off passengers who want to arrive on time. Domestic air travel in America is widely available, relatively cheap and popular.
Are railroads still relevant?
Railroads now haul 40 percent of total U.S. freight, up from 27 percent in 1980, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation data. Over the course of a year, the average American consumes enough goods to fill nearly three 40-foot-long containers.