[EdwinLarkin]

European here.

Owning a car means freedom.Public transport is slavery. Being at the mercy of the government was highlighted during this pandemic when governments enforced rules to limit mobility.

I'd rather sit in traffic not wearing FFP2 and be able to visit my parents in another city whenever I want than rely on ineffective and unreliable public transport.

[gher-shyu3i]

It's interesting because you have people in the US that keep touting the public transit system in Europe. What reliability challenges have you seen?

[EdwinLarkin]

1) Strikes

These are in some countries more common than you can imagine

2) Safety and Comfort

Full of smelly,weird people

3) Reliability

Sitting in a car in winter/hot summer during a car accident is much more enjoyable experience than waiting outside in the cold/hot until they fix the train/bus.

4) Does not go where I want to go / When I want to go

Public transport is usually useless at night or during public holidays.

5) Subject to stupid politics

For example during this pandemic in my country they demand FFP2 and having COVID-19 test.It's ridiculous.Uncomfortable and expensive. None of that bullshit when you own a car.

6) Useless for spontaneous leisure activities

I can take the car to go for a short trip / weekend getaway without much planning.It's fast and easy to do. If I had to use public transport I would need to plan for it and could not go / leave whenever.