Max Dodge
Your lack of understanding, if repeated in corporate circles, explains a lot about how GM and Ford got where they are. If the train were efficient it would be utilised to a greater extent than is now the case. Ergo it is not efficient therefore it is not utilised. It is very efficient if it is loaded at the point of production and unloaded at the point of use. For instance it is good at carrying coal or ore from a mine to a smelter or power station. It is not efficient if manufactured goods or people have to be loaded and carried to the depot to be loaded onto the train and unloaded at the other end back to other transport to be distributed to the end points such as offices and shops unless these are concentrated in a small area around the end station.
As far as pbuttengers go then the car is more energy and cost efficient per pbuttenger mile than the train. There are hardly any people disputing this except you. They may not like it and may have other valid arguments in favour of the train but they do not now dispute this fact.
Since your basic premise is false then all your other buttertions are equally false.
Built like a Mercedes 3641False. Rail can be part of a well designed freight distribution system on almost any level. Have you missed the TOFC service, container...
Huw
