Elon Musk Wants to Privatize Amtrak, But the Real Problem Is Freight Monopolies

In early March, Elon Musk called Amtrak, the U.S. intercity passenger rail service, an “embarrassment” and suggested privatizing it. Soon after, the Trump administration forced Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s CEO, to resign. In his comments, Musk—America’s “efficiency” czar—made clear he believes Amtrak’s sometimes poor service proves its inherent inefficiency as a government entity. 

But upon closer inspection, a more powerful explanation for Amtrak’s struggles emerges. Once again, we find...