My wife and I spent some time in Europe last summer. While visiting Strasbourg Fr. we stayed fairly close to the train station. On a rainy afternoon we took a ride to experience it. We found the comfort and cost very attractive. They had tickets that seemed pricey if you only went one way, but if you wanted to travel to several cities you and your family could ride for, I believe I recall, a 24 hour period.
The seats were super and we felt safe. It was a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
I prefer driving because of carrying luggage and freedom it provides. I can see the advantages of traveling in Europe by train. As far as freight, I didn't notice the volume of freight moving period. France seemed less populated and slower moving than here in the northeast. I felt like we went back in time there.
They conserve energy, drive smaller cars, scooters and motorcycles and use public transportation. We saw a lot of tractor trailers, but not like here.
We drove 2200 miles in three weeks and saw only one pickup truck on the road. A Dodge Ram in Switzerland.
We take the train into NYC occasionally and I can't say the same about those accommodations. It's not the Acela.
I do like the Autotrain to Florida but it's gotten pricey since the economy has picked up.
Thanks for reading.
Just my personal experience.
John
