BTW, intercity buses have gotten brutally efficient, as well. You can get from NYC to WDC for 15 bucks, with several departures daily.
Buses are subject to the same heavy traffic conditions in the Eastern Corridor as automobiles. And I'd be very wary of the driving skills of some of the drivers they hire.
IMHO, it's both faster and safer to travel on the seperate railway right-of-way. And the extra passenger comfort/space is worth the slightly extra difference in fare.
Well, people will vote with their feet on that one. I suspect a lot of them will opt for the cheap, cheap buses.