Same in the UK, even highly populated areas (e.g. surrounding London). Trains are very expensive compared to cars. There are discount schemes for some groups (e.g. student/pensioner), but it's really for the wealthy only.

> Trains are very expensive compared to cars.

That sounds like a deliberate policy choice? Trains have became more expensive here during Covid, but back when I was using them extensively, a national annual subscription (lump sum, after which the rides were free) only cost a little more than double what insurance+plates alone cost for my car.

I wouldn't say it's a policy choice, the opposite. The rail system is privatised in the UK and yet still receives government subsidies. In addition, there's a huge drive to stop cars in our cities. Many "clean air initiatives", inflated parking charges, reducing lanes, pedestrianising spaces etc. It's just, regardless of how many paying passengers, or how short the journey, no one has ever been able to make trains work cost effectively here.

It doesn't even apply within the US. His methodology here is terrible.