Contrary to popular belief, trains do exist in the United States, operating extensively for freight transportation, regional commuter transit, and long-distance Amtrak routes. However, passenger rail is far less ubiquitous and developed compared to Europe or Asia because the country heavily decentralized public transit investment following World War II, prioritizing the construction of the Interstate Highway System and commercial aviation networks. Vast geographic distances and sprawling suburban urban planning further reduced the viability of passenger trains for everyday domestic travel.