Rail in this area of the country is just stupid. No wait, it is dumber than stupid. Population centers shift in the south shift unlike in larger northern cities where they are static. Also, in larger northern cities, population centers are highly dense (many high rise residences as opposed to large spread out subdivisions).
Once a rail is laid, it isn't going anywhere. If the population shifts, then you have a rail that does not serve anyone. Busses are mulch more efficient, much more flexible, and billions less expensive.
The original rail in Houston that basically goes from nowhere to nowhere and pretty much serves no one, cost 800 million dollars!!!!!! 4951