There was talk of a new rail line to the south of Rochester, MN a number of years ago and some landowners were unhappy because the proposed line would split their fields, require new fencing to protect livestock, etc.
Would it be easier to force a half a dozen farmers/landowners to give up part of their property than thousands of house/apartment dwellers? Of course. But its still forcing people and that results in lawsuits which will drag things out.
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Land owners do care, however.
There was talk of a new rail line to the south of Rochester, MN a number of years ago and some landowners were unhappy because the proposed line would split their fields, require new fencing to protect livestock, etc.
Here in Oregon, other landowners have gotten letters from the railways demanding payment for driveways across their lines just so they can get to their property. See http://www.kval.com/news/local/Neighbors-on-edge-over-new-ra...
Would it be easier to force a half a dozen farmers/landowners to give up part of their property than thousands of house/apartment dwellers? Of course. But its still forcing people and that results in lawsuits which will drag things out.