Airline Procedures Cripple U.S. Rail

Amtrak’s gate-style boarding, single-entry chokepoints, and seat policing import aviation habits that negate trains’ advantages of multi-door, platform-wide boarding and flexible frequency. In contrast, Japan’s Shinkansen pre-positions riders on the platform, runs trains every few minutes, and treats standing as safe, producing faster boarding and more usable service. The result is a self-imposed operational handicap that slows trips and reduces capacity. — This reframes U.S. rail reform from 'build more track' to redesigning station and operating practices that currently copy the wrong industry.