You cannot compare our public transportation with other countries that are so much smaller in land mass. Think of how large the U.S. is and realize that there really is nothing in between. Generally, riding a bike is useful if you're traveling less than 10 miles and not trying to transport luggage. A car is essential when a bus does fit your route. A train is faster and cheaper (for one person) than a car is traveling over bridges. Air plane is best when traveling from one coast to the next. These transportation methods must be kept in mind in the U.S. In the U.S., people who have visited Spain have only miraculous things to say about public transportation, but do they ever say good things about driving a car?