Over the years, I've begun to suspect that the resistance to trains and public transport in general comes from politicians in the pockets of either big business or a particular branch of big business. Is that wrong? If not, what's the crux of it? Maintenance contracts? The auto manufacturing industry? Strength of AAA (RAA in Australia) as lobbyists?

Australian PM Tony Abbott said in a book years back that even the "humblest person is king in his own car."

There are currently battle lines seemingly drawn over (largely left) state governments wanting funding for rail projects with the (right) federal government refusing and only wanting to fund large road projects.