Amtrak absolutely has plenty of tickets that are way cheaper than flying even reasonably long distances, but only if you book at least 3mo out. And even then there are plenty of exceptions. I took the Carolinian from Greensboro to DC for $57 last week, booked only a week in advance. The trains get plenty busy as is. At least for as long as the amfleet cars are still the default, people clearly will pay a premium to take the train over a bus.
Amtrak absolutely has plenty of tickets that are way cheaper than flying even reasonably long distances, but only if you book at least 3mo out. And even then there are plenty of exceptions. I took the Carolinian from Greensboro to DC for $57 last week, booked only a week in advance. The trains get plenty busy as is. At least for as long as the amfleet cars are still the default, people clearly will pay a premium to take the train over a bus.