Buses could serve commuters better than trains. To help expand service, I would try retrofitting buses with rail wheels similar to what the railroad attaches to its service vehicles. Unlike trains, buses could exit the track retracting the rail wheels to continue on the streets.
Abandoned rail lines could be used as additional roads. Buses could avoid traffic gridlocks and switch over to a rail line.
It's time to rethink transportation. Think about all those outlying housing developments that have rail lines or abandoned lines that would provide almost door-to-work connection. Buses could handle the additional wheels fairly easily. At least try a few buses to see how it works out.
Roger Robbins