For me, the public transportation in Portland is free. There is a large Fareless Square that permits me to get to my hotel by trolley. Can't beat it.
I was a fourth generation railroad worker in my family. I rode the trains since I was in my mother's arms. My experience tells me two constants of rail transportation won't change no matter how much is invested in the system:
1. The freight train hauls, the truck delivers.
2. People who ride inter-city passenger trains outside of heavily populated corridors aren't concerned with adherence to the timetable.