Did the big three conspire and get fined for their conspiracy?
Yes they did, that is not a myth that is fact.
I did a little race once in New Orleans between my father in his car and me on a street car, not only did I beat him to the appointed destination but I did so by ten minutes.
Street cars are anything but slow, they spend most of their time coasting with the motors off or waiting for cars to get out of their way and electric buses were as fast as any diesel bus.
The biggest reason why cities removed street cars and electric buses from their transit systems were the tracks and the overhead wires. The Automotive industry sold the idea that they were ugly and dangerous.
If you like public transportation, as apparently you do, take it. Just don't be demanding the rest of us pay for it, or worse, live the "lifestyle" that accommodates it. I think that is the crux of the issue and the point of this article.