The more local (and private in many cases) the better.
Would you believe that the people mover in Detroit is rider funded at the rate of around 7%. That means that 93% is funded by local, state, and federal taxes in some form or another. From what I’ve read 25% rider funding is pretty much considered a successful average for urban public transportation systems.
A few years back, Karl Levin was seeking some $2 million in transportation funds to save the old Tiger stadium in Detroit. His justification for seeking transportation money was that a bus stop would be included in the design.
It cracks me up when I see urban people complain about contract disputes with their taxpayer funded trash pick up service. We use private services out here and have better than a half dozen different companies to choose from with dozens of different service plans.
To be fair, roads are generally funded with taxes, although much of it comes from taxes on fuel.
I’ve seen some comparisons of cost of funding transportation between public transport and auto, by person/mile, etc.
Public transport is way more expensive, but not as much so as is commonly claimed.
Don’t remember where I saw the comparisons. Also lots of arguing about what comparisons are valid.