The massive investment in time in resources is mostly private capital, on the assumption that that capital will see a return, which is unlikely to ever happen with public transit.

I agree with you, and I also know we are running out of time to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. I’m resigned at this point to doing whatever is likeliest to get the job done in time. And either way, the busses, trains and ferries all need to be electrified too, and any grid improvements, advancements in battery tech etc. will also help those efforts.