Any way you cut it, that’s not only flat wrong, but completely antithetical to the principles of democracy.

I don’t disagree that people are demanding mass transit in increasing numbers, nor do I think that highways are inherently capitalist while mass transit is inherently socialist. But I believe that our public servants have an obligation to be honest with us and to be good stewards of our money. That doesn’t entail spending as much of it as possible on mass transit just because no one is looking, or expanding the systems against the will of voters.

Your mass transit evidence doesn’t really explain how systems that run on fuel won’t have to raise ticket prices themselves to cope with the rising cost of oil. Almost every mass transit system in the country that is experiencing new ridership has admitted to having problems that will force ticket price increases, including the New York subway (where rising fuel and construction costs are driving a proposed fare increase), LA Metro, Denver Metro (where they’re cutting back service to try to avoid raising prices due to fuel costs) and the Midwestern buses you cite (one example from Kansas city).

How do you suppose they will make up their lost revenues if not by raising prices?

Mass transit will either hike up ticket prices, or seek more government subsidy – which flows from the taxpayer - and ultimately the people who switch from cars to mass transit will feel the pain either way.

So your statement, “We are totally unprepared for the world of the $5+ gallon.” Holds true no matter what transportation mix is in play.

What exactly is your solution? Turn all of the highways into railroad tracks? I’ve got news for you, rail lines have limited capacity too, and the average line can carry much fewer people than a road the same length with way less flexibility in schedule or destination. Should we just flood the streets with buses? Probably also not the best idea since that’s heavily dependent on the cost of fuel.

Mass transit isn’t some magic solution to anything. What we need is investment in all forms of transportation to alleviate congestion and meet demand, and a sound policy to convert our transportation systems – everything from automobiles to airplanes – to alternative energy.

We shouldn’t disproportionately invest in systems that Mr. Mysak actually implies are wasteful and inefficient just because we can while people are distracted. That’s one of the most foolish long term investment strategies I’ve ever heard.

We should invest in the alternatives that make the most sense based on a thorough study of the options available, and a rational, public debate on the issue.

Americans are speaking up loud and clear. The demand for improved, expanded mass transit is huge and growing and far outstrips “supply” in a typical American city. You can’t get seats on Amtrak in the NE right now. Light rail lines in Denver are packed. Relatively wealthy white people are riding the bus in Midwestern cities for the first time in decades. We are totally unprepared for the world of the $5+ gallon.

And yet, you come here to CommuterOutrage.com and you get this freshman year “analysis,” as if mass transit were inherently socialist and highways were inherently capitalist.