[closeparen]

I am categorically not interested in the idea that freeways cost too much, because public transit (at the level of speed, frequency, capacity, and comfort that would be competitive with driving) also costs too much.

>It also helps shift the balance between denser housing, vs. the sparse housing available if everyone assume there will be fast transit.

This is a fallacy. The limitations on housing density are driven by residents of the urban core and inner suburbs. It doesn't matter to them how bad transportation is for people who can only afford the outer suburbs. Increasing the pain of living in low-density outer suburbs will not create more housing in the urban core and inner suburbs.

[eesmith]

"Do you agree with me that the existing system is not and was not in equilibrium? If you disagree then this exchange will go nowhere, unless you can convince me otherwise."