My whole argument is that you can fulfill individual desires better through other means.

> It does, I'm certainly more comfortable in an i-Pace than most of the economy hoopties I've ubered in.

The lack of choices due to monopoly capitalism is a self fulfilling prophecy. (regular capitalism after some time is monopoly capitalism)

> Throwing individual benefit under the bus for collective benefit is rightfully a non-starter in the US.

This is a false dichotomy brought about by living in an economy controlled by finance capital. Individual benefit does not have to look like this and can be more internally and externally consistent.

Especially since this industry contains the seeds of its own destruction IN its own logic. Like I said, its more expensive than rail and to have any speed benefits it requires the majority of cars to be autonomous, which most likely will never happen. Not to mention physical safety and cyber security/privacy.

> How much would a private room cost, even if we had ubiquitous Japan-tier rail?

A private room would cost less because there are less costs involved overall. Rail/tram is cheaper and better.

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I am, generally, arguing for medium and long distance travel tho. But in regards to short-distance specifically I think my argument still stands. I dont think it presents any greater benefit than the alternatives, of which some are definitely better. You'll see how mass use, if it even gets there, will make it just "another one". It doesn't scale.

Plus autonomous warfare dev right under our noses.