The reason that mass transit is so profitable in those countries is because they can capture the externalities of their benefit through owning capital near stations.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theatlantic.com&#x2F;china&#x2F;archive&#x2F;2013&#x2F;09&#x2F;the-unique-genius-of-hong-kongs-public-transportation-system&#x2F;279528&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theatlantic.com&#x2F;china&#x2F;archive&#x2F;2013&#x2F;09&#x2F;the-unique-...</a><p>In NYC, some rich landowners get all the benefit of public spending.