Trains are not cost effective for distances less than about 100km - i.e. most journeys of goods.
Light rail ? Don't make me laugh ! Look at LA.
Most people in USA do not live far away from work. The average journey to work is less than 20 minutes and is less than the average trip time in Australia, South Africa and Great Britain.
Of course, it can be a little bracing in places like Albany, NY...