if the pandemic didn't happen, there was a chance that amtrak could turn a profit in 2020. social distancing is easier on a train than on a plane because travelers can choose their seats and breath air that isn't reused. it's not as guaranteed compared to driving alone in a car, but....
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2021/03/05/pandemic-travel-traffic-deaths-up-8-2020-despite-driving-less/4590942001/
it's still leagues safer to catch covid on a train than be in a car in 2020. this is due to the empty wide roads taking over a driver's psychology. with less people on the road, drivers are encouraged to do 80+ on a road with traffic lights and points of conflict.
it's also worth noting that the lockdowns are less strict now than they were the best part of a year ago