Nobody rides "mass transit" if they can afford not to, but governments like to shove it down the throats of their constituencies because it makes the pols feel good that they're helping the poor (and their buddy-special interests get tons of cash whether the system works or not.) And they usually don't outside of NYC, Chicago and Wash. DC.)
Don't be fooled. The automobile is the most democratic and liberating mode of transit ever invented. NOTHING come close.