[Moneyguy1]

Japan's systems are the result of a number of factors:

First, a common purpose, borne of the lack of domestic natural resources and land.

Second, the infrastructure was nearly totally destroyed in WW II. This left the country with a "blank canvas" upon which to design and construct a new system.

This is the same thing that happened with their industries and why the Japenese steel industry has done so well: modern facilities that were more efficient than Pittsburgh, Youngstown and Buffalo.

Do we need a modern mass transit system? Among other things. What we need is for our elected officials to get off the dime, look at the total infrastructure and get moving!! One of the reasons given for the uptick in gasoline prices is the "seasonal changeover". At least that is what the oil industry says...Yeah, sure...

Some here treat GWB as the Second Coming", others villify him. I do neither. He is just another political hack lining his pockets like every other high ranking elected official.