Much corridor in the US that was originally double line is now single line with passing loops.  Adding the track in existing corridor for a high speed dedicated passenger line and low speed freight/suburban local line with common passing loops can make the crossing problem a lot more straightforward.  Especially if the passenger trains are sparkies, like the electric tilt trains they have been promoting in Queensland.

However, this is more focused on competing with the car for transport mode share rather than competing with air ... the higher speed to allow it to more effectively recruit "right angle" park and ride patronage with a lower total trip time. IOW, more for Cleveland to Columbus than Cleveland to New York.

Where, as in Sydney for example, the existing rail corridor is often completely built out, that changes the balance dramatically.


I've been accused of being a Marxist, yet while Harpo's my favourite, it's Groucho I'm always quoting. Odd, that.