Before I begin, let me just say that I do not oppose the tracks, because I extremely like them, and all the content/graphics it has come with.
Now, after actually using these tracks to get to places, I have noticed that it isn't the most efficient way of travel.
A nice feature would be an npc that would charge you, taking you to a short cutscene, and voila! Teleported to the destination you asked for. Priced could vary. Also, the npc could be at each sign, or just the station.