It could happen, it would just require such a massive shift in current attitudes and regulation that it's not very likely.

> So whatever solutions we implement need to just accept that fact; it's fanciful and counter-productive otherwise.

Discussion is almost never counter-productive. I would highly advise against trying to reduce the amount of discussion (in general and on this issue.)

It's not a fact that it won't happen because it is technically possible, and there is a large portion of people pushing for it, and it's expanding in cities like Miami (where I live), Florida in general, Texas, etc.

Ironically, with enough discussion anything is possible, including a massive shift to public transport in the U.S.

But the problem in the US is the geographical distances are enormous compared to European countries, and the lack of a dense train network.