content: That's because the rail networks in most of the US are crap. In Melbourne there are hundreds that commute on the regional V-lines. Their trips are not significantly longer than via car; usually shorter. You can get a full seat and get out your laptop, listen to music and not have to divert the majority of your attention to driving. You'd see other people and not be in your own bubble, and this increases empathy with the world.  Before lehman brothers collapsed, one of their board members would wake up, take a private elevator to a private limo to another private elevator at the stock exchange to work. He could literally go from bed to work without any human interaction. This is why public transportation is essential. You see people. Even if you don't interact with them, it builds a type of empathy that is vital to us being social creatures.