Why can't the US build a public transportation network as efficient and all inclusive as the UK?

Question

Why can't the US build a public transportation network as efficient and all inclusive as the UK?

Answer 1

We could... we chose to go the route (pun intended) of personal automobiles and highways.

We might want to go the other way one day, but we do love our cars.

g-day!

Answer 2

when did the UK get an efficient transport network? this is news to me lol

Answer 3

If you want an example of an efficient and all inclusive public transport system then go to somewhere in mainland Europe like Germany, France or Holland.  Don't take the example of the UK with its decaying railways that are extortionately expensive to travel on for one thing and its public transport system which is rarely "joined up".

Answer 4

I AM SICK OF EUROPE BASHING AMERICA

I've not yet met an American I don't like

I have NO time for the American Government

BUT the American people are NOT stupid, Not Ignorant, and NOT fools

Come on, do you think Americans have the information we do in Europe???

have you seen their News!!!

Answer 5

i am assuming you mean across the whole of the US? you do realize that usa is hugeeeeeee compared to england yes? maybe you want to rethink your question

Answer 6

Too much land between us. You'd have to get the entire population to move to a small state like Delaware, then it would be efficient.

Answer 7

For any Americans reading this question, it is a joke!  It's not a serious question.

The British public transport system is slow, expensive, dirty and unreliable.

Buses often don't turn up, trains frequently get delayed due to snow or leaves on the track (yup, it's that bad!!) and our subway drivers often strike, because they feel the equivalent of $70,000 a year for 35 hours a week isn't enough.

Don't worry, our public transport system is a mess.  At least the U.S. has a decent highway network, unlike Britain.

Answer 8

I'm sorry but are you out of your secure ward for the weekend, Do you realise that insanity is the first sign of voting New Labour.

Answer 9

There are 2 main reasons:

1.   Over the last 50 years or so, Congress and the state governments have chosen to invest heavily in freeways and roads, while spending very little on public transport.  This is due to a number of factors, such as lobbying by oil companies that want to create demand for gas, etc.

2. The US is much less densely populated than Europe, so public transit is less feasible, especially in rural areas.

Answer 10

As Londoner of ancient years what you call a coffin dodger,

I have no trouble with the NY underground  ,cheaper than ours as well stop knocking the USA ,they rebuild things much quicker than us, look at ground zero we would still be clearing the rubble we are slow at everything

Answer 11

There are many reasons why the U.S. can't, and won't, build a public transportation system like that of the UK.  Sorry, the U.S. simply isn't made for those modes of transportation.

Answer 12

you are kidding?? Have you ever used public transport in the UK? It's useless!! Believe me I know,  I get the underground every single day!!

Answer 13

Several reasons including the size of the country, the oil-auto-tire industries, and the fact that our government doesn't tax us at the rate of UK citizens.

Answer 14

Are you being sarcastic?

Answer 15

I'm from the UK, and find it amusing that you call our system efficient!! It is inclusive however (apart from the prices...which are among the highest in the world!!).

I'd say that your health service would be a better place for you to focus first though. One thing about the UK that I am incredibly proud of is the National Health Service. It ain't perfect, but the idea of free healthcare for all should be at the heart of any great civilised society. The fact that the US was overrun by business interests and away from totally inclusive social care is a travesty.

Answer 16

Well, if we were willing to spend about 30 billion dollars and the next 20 years on construction it could be done. The problem is no one would use it. Americans love their independence more than anything and taking a subway or elevated rail to buy furniture, food, visiting grandma or rushing your sick child to the ER at 1:00 am will never fly here. Our free market system is set up in such a way that if Americans ever want mass transportation you can bet someone will step in and fill the need much better and faster than the government can. And to the person that thinks our health system is inferior to the UK you better wake up...you all pay dearly for your health services in the form of massive taxes and substandard (by our standards anyway) health care. Ever needed an MRI? There are more MRI machines in the state of Florida than in the entire UK -- and the list is endless. Can our system be improved? d**n right it can. The idea that health care can bankrupt a family is insane but I wouldn't trade our QUALITY of care for any country in the world and socialized healthcare would wreck it.

Answer 17

Considering the difference in size, and population density, you woud be looking at adding millions of miles or roads and rails, at a cost probably higher than the economic output of the whole western world.

Why Coastcowboy feels it is necessary to bring health care into this thread I don't know, but he should know the average life expectancy of Britons and Canadians is higher than that of Americans.