Aside from all the conspiracy theories, fact is that the American public likes to drive. It's quicker, often cheaper, and you go when and where you want, not relying on some timetable.

Look at all the railfans who insist on driving! Even operators working for Key System drove their own automobiles as do most AC Transit drivers today.

Key System was a financial basket case for years. Maintenance on the trains and rails stopped well before the end of service. They were placing streetcars with buses long ahead of NCL.

Toward the end of the trains, the state PUC was ready to practically shut the system down due to safety concerns. Track was a mess.

Now back to the conspiracy ideas.