[kilbride102]

I think a difference here that should be noted is the funding for the systems. Since mass transit is for the most part localized near one city and not connecting other cities, people dont want to pay for those services. For example, taxpayers in Philadelphia do not want to pay, with their federal taxes, for a new subway in DC because they will probably never use it. Now with regard to highways, people in Philadelphia will see more of a benefit from their taxes for a highway near DC because it will improve traffic around the area that will allow for quicker movement of goods, travelers, or themselves several times a year. Getting back to the socialism/capitalism aspect, funding for mass transit mostly benefits the residents of a city so taxes levied against Philadelphians for DC mass transit would be viewed as socialist tax because while it benefits society (eg. less pollution) it doesnt benefit Philadelphia directly or indirectly. Using tax money to fund a highway to improve traffic flow around DC, will benefit Philadelphians indirectly if not directly on a daily basis.