"6. Buses started losing money as well, so the government decided to bail them out (the beginning of social engineering in Oregon)."

Uhhh nope. That started in revolt to the fact that social engineering (the minority of upper middle class and such) that wanted roads EVERYWHERE. So what did they do? They ran to the cities and such to get them to start building them. They can't afford them now. Without a price association you have 8-15% of communities using cars on the shoulders of the top 10% of taxpayers. So yeah, the simple fact is, it isn't a balanced market industry anymore. It hasn't been since about 193x or so. It's been highly imbalanced since 1950 something. Regardless, as another person pointed out.

Transit isn't built to market demand, it's built to pull politics. But remember, it's done that way because unfortunately we gave up our market based transportation economy with the introduction of Government controlled and built right of way, also known as "highways", "interstates", and other such names.

So if we want a fair battle, we ALL need to stop asking for hand outs and Government involvement. The fact is, that won't happen. So now the choice is to make sure the various Governments are acting and implementing as fair as possible. The majority of taxes collected are from Corporations, and the top 10% of taxpayers, that makes up at least 90+% of taxes. So convince those entities that Portland is doing the wrong thing and you'll get something else. But being that those entities - the ones paying for this transit stuff - are rather happy with their choices then it won't change.

Until then, learn, find stuff out, and see how you can get what you want in transportation. I want valid usage paid for by its valid users. So far - it aint happening so I'm going to help out best I can.