I don't know how it works in other parts of the world, but where I live (Brazil) people afford cars to avoid bad quality public transportation (packed and expen

I don't know how it works in other parts of the world, but where I live (Brazil) people afford cars to avoid bad quality public transportation (packed and expensive buses and trains). Not to say alternative modes have zero incentive from both government and companies. But I also see another reason: having a car gives you status. Many of my colleagues live very near from work (20, 15 or even 10 minutes walking) but they insist going to work using their cars because they don't see someone on their position could be seen arriving by foot or sharing public transportation with ordinary workers...