I believe that your analysis in using current train travel times from the Amtrak schedules is open to question. Inter-city train travel is currently hindered by Amtrak routes. Those routes often do not travel the direct line that freight trains might use, but, instead they are tremendous circumnavigations. For instance, travel from Memphis to Dallas is routed through Chicago. Clearly, the direct route would travel through Little Rock and avoid a more than 1500 mile detour through Chicago. Additionally, a plane trip from Memphis to New Orleans is about 2 hours. However, if you include the requested early airport arrival time (say about 90 minutes), and the hassles of getting to and from the airports, retrieving baggage, plus the current uncomfortble accomodations within the airplane itself, the train’s 8 hour ride is extremely desirable. In the “City of New Orleans”, the train from Memphis to New Orleans, the economy seats are larger than airline first class seats. There is a dining car, observation car, and ample space to walk around. Private sleeping compartments are still cheaper than airfare and include first class meals, showers and beds. The only reason train travel is not used in the this country is because the US has not made an effort to make it so.
