While reading Google News a few days ago, I saw an incredibly funny contrast of news articles. The first one was about the failings and vankruptcies of the air travel industry, and here was the second article.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...in-807789.html
Sure, it's British Rail, but I don't think it would be impossible to replicate their success over here. It'll just take some commitment to passenger rail, as opposed to the "Oh, Amtrak..." mentality.