> “The rail industry’s edge is that it is less expensive than trucks. But now trucks are going to reduce their cost of operating—what does that mean for the railroad?” Soule said. “That’s what we’re trying to address.”

Yes, but we still need both. Oh course it makes sense to try to take advantage of excess rail capacity. (But will regulations allow that? As the article states, the rail industry hasn't changed in years). If rail can be optimized the cargo still needs to move from hub to final destination. The infamous last mile problem, so to speak. But doesn't that tend to be in population dense areas? Where autonomous trucks might not thrive and/or be welcome?

The point being rail is only part of the system. Optimizing it might create inefficiencies elsewhere. A classic balloon grab.