IIRC the Flemish bus system is profitable. So is the public train company, even if marginally so. What I dislike about GP's comment is that it obfuscates that

IIRC the Flemish bus system is profitable. So is the public train company, even if marginally so. What I dislike about GP's comment is that it obfuscates that mostly it's the lower classes that ride the bus, and paying it with fares takes away from the potential to redistribute tax money that harmonises the way we all live together. Like you've said: buses move people more efficiently, and once they're on the road they're better off being closer to full since that won't dramatically change the fuel they're burning. Plus less cars, etc.