>>2019928Mid-tier bait
Road are the most flexible transportation infrastructure and are often ultimately the cheapest and fastest way of moving the widest variety of things to and from the largest number of commonly used origin-destination pairs. This is why even for freight where the ton/mile cost of shipping by train is a fraction of the cost by truck, trucks still dominate the market. Flexibility is king and roads are some of the most useful infrastructure that you can build in terms of return on investment.
Other methods of transportation may be more efficient when measured using specific metrics but this falls apart when you look at the larger picture. The lack of flexibility inherent to systems which move people/freight in bulk necessitate compromises to just how many origin/destinations can be served and how often they can be served.
These compromises add costs, both tangible and intangible. For most commutes it will nearly always be faster and more convenient to drive than to take transit because your car leaves directly from your house exactly when you want to leave and goes directly to wherever you're wanting to go. Trains and busses don't.
Cars also give individuals core control over the quality of their commute. They can choose to have nicer seats in your car. You can choose to drive a somewhat longer but more pleasant route. You can also choose not to pick up a random screaming homeless man covered in his own shit. Choices are good.
