Had the road system remained largely private in America, my speculation is that there would still be plenty of cars--we like individual tranportation--but that alternative forms of transportation, primarily long-distance rail, would be a lot healthier than they currently are. Maybe cities would be laid out differently if it was a little harder to get the land to build roads. Who knows?

Right now, most people like cars more than the alternatives. They like that cars go where they want to go when they want to go there. They like being able to listen to loud music. They like being able to leave their junk in the back seat, and their kids' car seats attached. They like being able to go to the thousands of places that mass transit doesn't. They like being able to mess around in the back seat. There are a LOT of advantages to driving your own car.

Those in politics who are Better and Wiser than we are think we should be riding buses and trams. People ride them when they have to, but aside from a very few people, I've never met anyone who would ride a bus if they could afford to drive.

Near where I live, a marvelous and multi-million dollar Light Rail System was built. It mostly rides empty, but it was one of those liberal ideas that is a Good Idea, whether it actually works or not.

If anyone knows of a mass transit system that actually earns its own keep, please tell me about it. There are some long-distance rail lines that earn their way, primarily on the East coast.

BTW, the secret word for Australia is "solar." There is more sun-baked nothing within a thousand miles of the major population centers than almost any other nation has.