then perhaps non-government alternatives would have a chance. Subsidizies force out competition from the market place. Consider the case Tom mentioned where the fares were only paying 16% of the cost of the mass transit system. By keeping the price artificially low, you're artificially eliminating alternatives.

You seem to be falling for the idea that if the government doesn't do something, no one else can possibly do it either. The converse is more likely true - if the government decides to do something, they force out anyone else from doing it. It's hard for any business to compete with taxpayer subsidized entities.

What kinds of alternatives are there to mass transit? How about a commercial minibus service? It works in some other countries like the Philippines, it can work here if allowed. Or, you can create business (and job) opportunities by allowing ordinary people to start their own taxi service. Unfortunately, in an effort to "protect the public", taxi services are heavily regulated in many places (including Colorado) to protect existing companies.