Yes, you are correct there. So let's look at this system that works and compare it to ours that clearly doesn't work. How is Hong Kong's system different?

Hong Kong's system is privately owned by MTR.

Oh, and it is run for profit.

So they have vested interests there to make things work, instead of vested interests not to make it work like we have here. Our railway is a political hot potato that local and national governments keep throwing at each.