https://theconversation.com/a-packed-baltimore-trolley-illustrates-the-ups-and-downs-of-us-public-transit-234627
When US cities offered low-cost, high-quality public transit during World War II, buses and trains were full. Some cities are trying to revive that formula, after decades of disinvestment.
I might dislike the stress of driving more than your average car fucker, but I'll take the crowded bus over freeway traffic any day.
Actually, I'd probably take neither. When the metro here in DC gets too crowded I usually just stop and get a drink or dinner. It gets me out and exploring new parts of the city and I can drink all I like since I don't have to get my stupid car home later.
That's a kind of freedom you will never get with a car.
That's a bit of a false dichotomy though. If transit was invested in heavily enough, then it can be clean, pleasant, and not overly crowded
When I'm in a city with good transit (so, not at home in the US), it's wonderful to just kind of bop around town on the metro/tram. You don't have to worry about parking and moving the second most expensive thing you own (or first most expensive). You don't need to be anywhere in particular in the city since you can hop on transit and get around.
Cars actually tie you down in the city since you have to go back and get them. They're a boat anchor on your freedom. Yes, they get you to a place, but then they tie you there until you go back to where you left them. Cars make life little loops while good public transit lets you wander freely.