Also living in such a city (silicon valley), I see what you mean.
If I live near a bus/light rain/caltrain line whose terminus is also near work, then it's not such a big deal. Also, if I go during commuting hours it can be comparable, but not always.
If I lived in south-central San Jose, then it would be better to get a car, perhaps even during commute hours. If I lived in Tracey or Stockton, taking the ACE train would be much preferable, even if it were longer since I could read, do what ever; a car would mean 90+ minutes of commuting. A co-worker has recently taken to practicing electric guitar on the ACE.
Of course, this is all anecdotal, and so is your statement. I have no idea how it works in non-US cities.
If I live near a bus/light rain/caltrain line whose terminus is also near work, then it's not such a big deal. Also, if I go during commuting hours it can be comparable, but not always.
If I lived in south-central San Jose, then it would be better to get a car, perhaps even during commute hours. If I lived in Tracey or Stockton, taking the ACE train would be much preferable, even if it were longer since I could read, do what ever; a car would mean 90+ minutes of commuting. A co-worker has recently taken to practicing electric guitar on the ACE.
Of course, this is all anecdotal, and so is your statement. I have no idea how it works in non-US cities.