NY subway is not the best example as it's the oldest and slowest: https://ggwash.org/view/4524/average-schedule-speed-how-does...

NY had one of the most extensive systems. Compared to other places, like my home in the Bay Area, even at 20mph the subway is effectively faster.

Indeed, the average speed of the subway isn't very meaningful for comparison as the bigger win is being able to skip the traffic jams where the car speed depends highly on the exact route and time of day.

> High speed rail is a different story of course.

You must be talking about Japan or Europe.

The California "bullet train" was / is going to take 4 hours to go SF - LA. Less than driving, but about the same as flying, even when you factor in getting to & from the airports and waiting in the departure lounge.

And of course, the train stations are not "everywhere" either. You have to factor in getting to & from them, too. Especially in LA where you hardly ever want to go downtown.

NY subway for virtually any destination is faster than driving, during busy hours.