Why are so many conservatives against improving public transit?

[DSO]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

I think you're talking about something different. You're talking about the impracticality in the here-and-now where you live, which is a very legitimate reason for you to drive. But, I think the OP is talking more about the ideological opposition many hold to ever seeing transit built, even though it could someday create a situation in which you wouldn't have to drive (or at least not drive as far).

It's kind of like why so many oppose renewable energy. On one hand, it is impractical today to use it because an infrastructure has not been fully built, but that's different from people who ideologically insist that we depend upon fossil fuels until the end and make no effort to build that renewable infrastructure.

Point taken, Bluefly - - thanks.

[Visvaldis]

Public transportation in America should be privatized and operated only if profitable. That's what capitalism is all about.

[Bluefly]

Originally Posted by harrymiafl

Oh,the...wealthy take the bus..?

The economy isn't that bad - yet...

You're not very informed on this subject at all. In cities with viable transit systems - not just buses, but subways or elevated trains - wealthy people most certainly do ride transit.

No matter one's income, quality of life is so much better in such places for not dealing with traffic, reading, interacting with other human beings and being able to walk wherever you want.

[Bluefly]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

Public transportation in America should be privatized and operated only if profitable. That's what capitalism is all about.

Just like roads...

I'd love to see you pay a massive toll everytime you left your driveway because the relatively few people living on your street have to pay to install and maintain the entire road.

Reality always gets in the way of ideology.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

Public transportation in America should be privatized and operated only if profitable. That's what capitalism is all about.

We are not a pure capitalist nation. We are a capitalist-socialist nation. If you like pure capitalism, move to Hati. Maybe you will get lucky and join the 5% there that are very wealthy and not the 95% that are dirt poor.