I'm just so against this that I can't stand it. I think public transporation is back-to-the-past- where I see private transportation as the future. In the 1860's when people started traveling the USA in trains and they were subject to schedules, train malfunctions, and especially robbers. They moved to private vehicles with the Model T and got freedom. Esentially, that's what you're saying--take away peoples freedom. Or at least tax it with 'humongous' taxes. I don't know what country you're in, but do you remember that Freedom is what the USA is about? Did you ever notice the word "Liberty" on all of our coins? Do you know what it means?

It means people should decide how they do things, not the government and not some eco-minded mob that is already stuck riding public transport so they've convinced themselves that it's better. I've ridden big-city trains and it's not better. It's a pain. The only advantages that it has are possibly less fuel used (but I don't believe it) and fewer cars to park.

Here's a quick list of items where private transport beats public hands-down. 1. never have to wait for the machine, it waits for you-rain/snow/shine 2. ever have to bring a stroller on a bus? groceries for six? 3. ever try to seat a family of six together without having to stand? Without having to put your five-year-old in your lap? 4. Ever have a five year old that has to pee? 5. If there's a malfunction, it's out of your hands--you're going to be late--your car maintenance is up to you. 6. If you start late, you can't make up time. If you're early, you can't take another route to sight-see 6. if the workers go on strike, you'll have to ride your bike--maybe for days. 7. in your car, you pick the radio/music--don't need headphones so you can still talk to each other. 8. in a car, you don't have a mysterious stain on the seat that you don't want to sit in. 9. in a car, you can never miss your connection. 10. running errands in a car means that you can pick up your glasses, drop the letters in the mail and buy lunch all in ten minutes. 11. in a car, you're not paying a bus or train-driver to be your chauffer--they make real money you know 12. in a car you don't have to sit next to people that you object to. 13. in a car, you can carry that hobby-related stuff, just in case (saddle, tennis rackets, pilot bag). 14. in a car, you can take your friends to lunch. 15. in a car, you can take a snooze over lunch in your own personal space. 16. in a car, you can look cool to impress a client/girl/etc. 17. in a car you can help other people--like giving them a ride home.

I believe that public transport really costs way more than the benefits it provides, but since the bill goes to the city, you don't know that. I also believe that it really saves very little fuel unless it's electric. The buses in my city mostly have six people riding them except at rush hour. That doesn't seem too green to me. Or very cost effective.

I agree with hrench that public transport shouldn't and can't replace private transportation, but I think there should be better public transport in US cities anyway. Many countries in the developed world have much better public transportation systems than the US. We're really lagging behind in this department. Diesel buses may not be very green or efficient, but electric trains are the most efficient way to move enormous numbers of people in crowded urban centers. Without the NY subway system, the streets would be hopelessly gridlocked at rush hour. With the US population forever increasing, it will probably be necessary to improve public transport in many cities to avoid gridlock.