Along the lines of what you said re: all taxpayers paying operating costs.
My city just defeated a tax increase for school funding yesterday and they'll have to further cut their budget for programs, teachers, etc.
Now, we could apply the same philosophy you have re: Caltrain to our education (or any education) system. My taxes are paying the operating costs for schools educating other peoples' children (I have none, never had any, never will have any). Schools a are a prime example of socialism and state funding should be withdrawn. Those who send their kids to school should bear the cost.