come on eric, gotta call bs on that one.

the answer is simple - roads are perceived by the public as free (paid for by gas taxes and other things), and transit usually requires special purpose add-on taxes (sales taxes in most places, but in some, like seattle, a motor vehicle excise tax).

so, roads are free, transit costs money. almost all politicians take the free option, because it has less risk for them, making it easier for them to keep their jobs.

politicians are afraid to do anything for fear of losing their job.