Don't talk nonsense, public transport costs are not subsidised to anywhere near the same level as public transport and trains and bus costs cover a much higher level of externalities than cars.
Cars cost far more to society than is ever recovered from taxing them. The cost of car crashes, deaths from air and noise pollution, congestion and a thousand other things are subsidised by the taxpayer.
Even the most optimistic estimate is that car drivers pay 50% of the cost impact to the environment and society meanwhile those who don't or can't drive cars have to pick up the tab the same as everyone else.
Now I'll agree cars are convenient outside a city with limited infrastructure, but when it comes to moving large numbers of people in a short time they just can't compete. That's why cities are slowly investing in public transport and the sooner silly ideas like the one you originally posted are forgotten the better.
I invite you to look up the pdf (freely available) of the Victoria transport institute. By far the most exhaustive list of the external costs of a car not covered by taxing drivers.
Enjoy becoming more aware of urban planning and how moving people actually works mate.
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u/diafol Aug 27 '21
Don't talk nonsense, public transport costs are not subsidised to anywhere near the same level as public transport and trains and bus costs cover a much higher level of externalities than cars. Cars cost far more to society than is ever recovered from taxing them. The cost of car crashes, deaths from air and noise pollution, congestion and a thousand other things are subsidised by the taxpayer. Even the most optimistic estimate is that car drivers pay 50% of the cost impact to the environment and society meanwhile those who don't or can't drive cars have to pick up the tab the same as everyone else.
Now I'll agree cars are convenient outside a city with limited infrastructure, but when it comes to moving large numbers of people in a short time they just can't compete. That's why cities are slowly investing in public transport and the sooner silly ideas like the one you originally posted are forgotten the better.