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i wonder if this is because public transits are so underfunded in most capitalist economies, so they end up getting neglected and remain underdeveloped
As I said on my other comment I think that the issue is on the phrasing, cause when you say “unpopular opinion I don't like public transit” it seems like you don't like the idea of making public transit the norm, if you said I don't like my local public transit it would be clearer and not even be considered an unpopular opinion my public transit sucks as well, bur I think the solution is a better one rather then individual transport. That said it is not in the least unreasonable to invest in personal transport while it still sucks, it's you making your life easier there's nothing wrong with that, but I still would recommend to advocate pro a better one when and where it would be appropriate
Correction, you don't like the current state of your public transit, which often are bad by design to make cars more appealing, especially if you're in the US since that nation kinda built a lot of wealth on top of the car industry. Public transit can be good but it has to be made a priority, which I think in your local region it is not. If it is possible and something that you have a previous interest of doing, traveling to a place with a more robust public transit infrastructure could maybe give you a broader perspective
This is understandable in the current neoliberal age of udnerfunded public transportation.
In my country's case the tramway tracks were removed in the 60's to make more place for cars (freedom baby) and the train network shut down a decade or so later. A few years ago the public bus service also went broke, after intentional underfunding and many (failed) attempts to privatize it. Now we are left with a few companies and businessmen maintaining a monopoly over bus transportation which doesn't even cover all the areas.
Incidentally, roads and highways are still being expanded because there can never be enough to house the ever-increasing car population.
As a Canadian, I understand your frustration. We also have lacklustre public transit, but let's not take it out on the poor buses and trains. What you dislike is bad urban planning and neglected public services, and we all know who to blame for that. Still, I can commiserate. I'd like to be able to take the bus more than I do, but it can add 30-60 minutes to a 15-minute car trip. No big deal if I'm just meeting friends downtown or I have time to spare, and I do enjoy the downtime while on a bus, but it's not super practical if I need to get to an appointment or I need to rush home to the kids, stuff like that. I think criticism of transit infrastructure is a good thing when paired with a clear ask for improving it, rather than implying that transit, itself, is a problem.
I've been doing a bit of city hopping in Europe the last few weeks and I have such appreciation for public transportation. Especially coming from cities in Canada where there isn't anything to speak of.
In the small town where I live the public transit is pretty laughable though, and it sounds like it'll only get worse given the political leanings there.
And that's all with underfunded and underdeveloped privatized transportation systems. I can't even imagine how much better it would be if the transportation operators didn't need to charge for service and had much more flexible budgets for maintenance and expansion.
I'm also an introvert and appreciate my personal space but I'll gladly make the temporary exception for not needing to own a car and drive in a city.
Mood. Last week the train I was travelling stopped for 20 minutes during rush hour because the infrastructure is constantly falling apart. I got stuck standing in a wagon so full with people that I couldn't move my arms up. The only thing I could think was "humans weren't made to live like this".
Everyone points to cars as the "better" alternative that capitalism presents us, but personally I can't wait to get a motorcycle. Yes I know it's dangerous but honestly being hit by a lorry is starting to look more appealing that having to take one of these trains ever again.
