The big mistake was in assuming a public transport system could be profitable.  Almost none are.  Many of the best public transport systems in the world barely scrape by and are continually at risk of collapse.  The benefits to businesses, improved mental health of passengers, reduction in pollution and traffic are all external benefits to the community which are not accounted for in the transportation systems budget.  Some governments recognize this and so continue to subsidize their transportation systems.  Countries like the US which demand that <i>everything</i> be run like a corporation will continue to fail to realize any benefit removed a step of two away from this quarter&#x27;s profits.