Yet only 8% of the distance travelled by land in the EU is by rail. Even in the most train-happy countries, Austria and the Netherlands, the figures are 13% and 11%. In those countries, more than 75% of land travel is done by car.
So even in Europe and Australia where cars more than pay for their costs people still drive a lot. This is with all the effort put in to public transport in Europe.
In the US Farebox Recovery Ratios of 20% or less are common.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farebox_recovery_ratio#United_...
Only 58% of fuel tax in Australia is spent on any kind of transport including rail.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-21/fuel-excise-not-being...
Australians drive a similar amount to the US.
From
https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/11/13/how-trains-could...
Yet only 8% of the distance travelled by land in the EU is by rail. Even in the most train-happy countries, Austria and the Netherlands, the figures are 13% and 11%. In those countries, more than 75% of land travel is done by car.
So even in Europe and Australia where cars more than pay for their costs people still drive a lot. This is with all the effort put in to public transport in Europe.