Why aren't there any private subways?

[rug]

[Pangolin2]

1. Probably because they're unprofitable...

:shrug:

[stray cat]

2. They used to be private I think in NYC but for some reason the government took them over

now they are substantially supported by taxes added to just about everything including payroll of NYers

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. There are many in Japan. But not in the US; at least, not that I know of.

As the poster above said, the ones in NYC used to be private - as were the trolley systems - but they were taken over by the city many years ago.

[surrealAmerican]

4. Generally because obtaining the right-of-way to build a subway ...

... could only be done by a public entity. It would be prohibitively expensive for a private company.

[On the Road]

5. As Opposed to Laying Telephone or Coaxial Cable

an enormous part of building a subway involves rights of way and building in a way that intrudes very deeply into the physical structure, administration, and operation of a city. While private contractors are generally hired, it would be exceedingly odd for a private company to build such a system. And probably unwise for the city government to allow it.

[Joe the Liberal]

6. Becuz the dam fedrul gubmint....

has takin them ober lyke theyr takun ober evry dam thung in thys contry, whut next?/? soon thyll be aftr my medicur and socal securty too, we need to stop this scocalist takober naow!11!1! :sarcasm: (do I even need this?)