The United States once had the best public transportation system in the world. Private companies built subway, elevated, interurban, trolley, and long distance train lines with passenger service in mind. But as the automobile rose in popularity, ridership declined, and the country’s transit systems eventually became publicly run.

But what made privately owned rail during that era so great, and what does modern private passenger service look like? On this week’s episode of Silent Generation, Joseph and Nathan begin by detailing some of the things that were better about the Chicago ‘L’ 100 years ago: more stations, more express service, and better frequency. They then talk about Brightline and JR Railways before examining how those companies invest in real estate to increase profits. The episode concludes with a discussion about privately owned freight rail and how Class I railroads are poorly managed. 

Links:

The Lost Subways of North America by Jake Berman 

New York Subway Operator Life 1980s vs 90s vs Today

chicago-l.org

Ridership Reports - Performance metrics - CTA

Why Chicago's Express Train Isn't Really Express - Car Free Keith

Car 553

First new private rail passenger service in over 100 years by Terry Spencer and Daniel Kozin

Killer Train by Brittany Wallman, Aaron Leibowitz and Shradha Dinesh

Killer Train Podcast

Brightline rolls out expanded services from Orlando to Miami by Jaclyn Harold

High Speed Rail in Florida and the History of Brightline - Alan Fisher

Brightline West

Las Vegas doesn't have a purpose anymore as the designated area for American vices

How Japan Builds Suburbs That Don't Suck - Car Free Keith

Why Japanese Railways Win - Wendover Productions

Japan Kept A Train Running For Years Just For One Girl, The Inspiring Story Will Move You by Nikhil Pandey

Should Amtrak be Privatized? by Car Free Keith

Katrina: Come Hell or High Water

Freight Rail Overview - US Department of Transportation

How America's Largest Railroads are Ruining our Supply Chains - Alan Fisher

US rail companies grant paid sick days after public pressure in win for unions by Steven Greenhouse

Artwork:

Jamaica Ave El

Recorded on 10/12/2025