Yes, societies have made different choices over the course of 100+ years. How do you suggest a city like say, LA is fixed? What is a commuter from dayton ohio to cincinnati supposed to do?
The gp comment made it sound like something americans just choose, when the reality of the situation is it is a necessary part of life. The people participating in it didn’t make this choice. Literally everyone wants something better and no one wants to be beholden to $6 gas prices.
They do choose it though. Infra policies and budget allocations don’t just grow on trees. Every decision that got us here has been “chosen by Americans”.
LA could be fixed incrementally by improving frequency, signal priority, and dedicated lanes for buses. Then go from there, but technically there’s enough right of way to build out the rail network by sacrificing the monstrous car network.
The reality is that there will be short-term inconvenience for long-term gain, and it will only get worse the deeper we dig our heels in. And if there’s one thing that Americans hate: it’s short-term inconvenience.
Voters certainly don’t choose it. This is chosen by unelected councils appointed by representatives with motives not driven by the same motives as voters. What is to be done about that?
There exist societies that have made different choices.
The car dependency isn't an act of God.