The goal of the government is to maximize welfare.
I would say that in this case, your so-called "government favouritism" and "sketchy business practices" benefits citizens immensely.
"MTR trains boast a 99.9% on-time arrival rate. Fares are notoriously cheap ($.50 to $3)"
Moreover, a lot of systems that maximize public welfare are often monopolized and subsidized by the government. Do you think having myriad companies running various train tracks in a city would be beneficial? Or would one unified system make more sense? I think the evidence points to an unmistakable answer.
I would say that in this case, your so-called "government favouritism" and "sketchy business practices" benefits citizens immensely.
Moreover, a lot of systems that maximize public welfare are often monopolized and subsidized by the government. Do you think having myriad companies running various train tracks in a city would be beneficial? Or would one unified system make more sense? I think the evidence points to an unmistakable answer.