We don't really have high speed rail in the US. It's a point of political contention here. Part of the stimulus package was supposed to be allocated to high speed rail in some states, but the GOP is opposed and would like it to solely remain a private sector entity. CNN responded to some of it's users comments and tried to debunk some myths about proposed high speed rail in the US. Are the rails in the EU seen as an expense to taxpayers or do they bring in enough revenue to pay for themselves?But time spend with friends on the train is no wasted time.
I would agree that spending 2-3 hours on a train with friends would be really great. I've taken that 36 hour trip both with friends and on my own. I actually preferred it on my own. I enjoyed the solitude and meeting new people.