Why isn't public transit "free"?

Or to pose the opposing question, why don't roads have a special fee or tax on them? Why doesn't the total cost of public transit come out of general taxes? That would certainly encourage more usage which has numerous associated benefits.

Here in Toronto, we apparently have among the highest "user pays" vs government funded transit systems in the world. It wasn't always that way. While various governments pay for special projects, most of the money comes from the City of Toronto, and just a small amount comes from the provincial government. The amount the province contributes to day-to-day operations was decreased dramatically during Mike Harris' reign.

What does this mean? Well, the cost of a transit token does not cover the cost of the ride. Hence the contribution from the city. Where does the city get the money? From taxes on those who live here. What does that mean? City residents subsidize part of the costs of suburbanites, out of towners and tourists who use our transit system.

Toronto could take a giant step towards fulfilling its oft-stated desire for being a "world-class" environmentally-progressive city by putting transit on the same footing as roadways - paid for out of the general coffers.

If we can't afford that, then add a levy for car owners in the city with tolls for those who drive into the city.