[Grant-53]

Don't laugh but the Russians have been asking about building a road/rail tunnel between Alaska and Siberia. It is not economically feasable now but Siberia will become more important by mid century. Have you seen published reports projecting costs per mile figures for maglev systems compared to conventional steel rail systems?
I have often wondered about putting raised monorail lines in the median of the interstate highways. There are many abandoned rail routes to be reused. The major issue is not technical but financial in that railroad right of ways are owned by the rail companies. The interstate highways are government owned as part of a national defense policy as are many airports. Who will own and operate the track, the rolling (or floating) stock, and the control centers?
Bulk commodities and larger manufactured goods will continue to ship by conventional rail. We are accepting of the serious risks of driving while bitterly complaining about a two dollar increase to fill the gas tank. The first and perhaps most important step in many areas of our lives is taking a good hard look at the cost of convenience. Call it thrift or value management or living within your means. This will determine the nature and pace of change.