[hobarrera]

> for many people the perceived convenience of cars beats public transportation and biking.

That clearly proves the the public transporation is pretty bad, which is indicates that living conditions can improve.

The need for a car is also an indicator that living conditions can improve. I don't live in a very well-designed city (far from it!), but I seldom have to go far enough to require a bus or subway, walking being usually enough (plenty of restaurants and cafes in a 600 metre radius, for example).