Public transport in the US

You have answered your own question with the term "fuel wastage". The oil companies don't want that to change, nor does the federal government. In the US, the only motivation to change anything meaningful is greed. Transport of the public falls into this category. If governments or big corporations can't make massive profits in transportation improvements then it will not happen. In the meantime, there are numerous entities whose greed is satisfied by having everyone alone in their car. Any local government seriously attempting to provide alternate transportation will have a multitude of special interest groups preventing any progress. Many of the special interest groups are fronts for big corporations who have unlimited funds to achieve their ends. Attempting to rationally discuss the status of any type tranportation in this country is a lesson in futility. You're right...it doesn't make sense, but it isn't a mystery. What is good for the common citizen is never, ever, the first consideration, irregardless the subject. Corporate-sponsored politicians are responsible for the abysmal transport of goods and people in this country. Haven't they done a fine job? So glad you noticed!

the united states is all about making money. The car dealers would loose money, car manufacturers, gas companies, and not to mention all the people whoo work at these companies that would loose thier jobs. Unfortunately environment is lower on our lists of concerns than it should be.