the major difference between todays systems and those that preceeded them is today they are municipally owned and need not show a profit,most operate at a break-even point or at a loss. Older systems (PE, Key system, LA Ry.) were privately owned business enterprises. As such there was a very strong incentive to be as efficient and convenient as possible (Faster schedules, route that made sense , and better equipment ) Too bad they were all taxed out of business by the municipalities that now have so poorly replaced them.