US railroad pruning was savage, especially for passenger services and where there was massive duplication. There is some really good and readable analysis of how the current network was developed in "The Men Who Loved Trains" by Rush Loving Jr. Really good book.
US Shortline sector is really interesting. The way in which they hive off unprofitable routes to smaller operators, who can then operate at lower cost and with more flexibility is potentially something to consider in UK terms. They might be slow and in poor condition, but they provide access to freight for businesses that would otherwise be all road based.
US Shortline sector is really interesting. The way in which they hive off unprofitable routes to smaller operators, who can then operate at lower cost and with more flexibility is potentially something to consider in UK terms. They might be slow and in poor condition, but they provide access to freight for businesses that would otherwise be all road based.