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4. Why were public transportation systems first created and what prompted our federal, state and local governments to play an active role?

Up until the 1950s street cars, transit buses and commuter rail service were operated by privately-owned business. Private enterprise was unable to keep service at a break even point, much less continue to operate at a profit. Because of this, various city governments throughout the US began taking over transit services. Every community and state went about it differently.

The government, spurred on by the public, became involved because of the essential need for mobility, particularly for those unable to drive. Today public transportation service is subsidized, just like paramedic service, fire protection and libraries.