/glory/money/s In the US public transportation primarily operated as system to transfer public money to large engineering firms, subcontractors and politicians. Any transportation utility is incidental. Cost over-runs are the rule and have no consequences (More money for everybody!). The US has the highest cost per mile because no involved parties benefit from making it practical and cost effective. Self driving cars are probably our best chance to break up this system and reinvent public transportation.
The problem is that there is little 'glory' in simple maintenance. The 'concept' is often called "state of good repair":
* https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/asset-m...
It's much more tempting to announce a new project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The topic often comes up in Toronto, often as it relates to our transit system:
* https://www.tvo.org/article/toronto-is-falling-apart