Why don't people carpool and use public transportation?

[Dionysus]

I've read several threads about high gas prices here on GC and on other boards. Money for parking lots/garages/permits are also big complaints. I'm curious why many people do not take advantage of carpooling or public transportation.

I know some people do not live in big cities, so PT is out the question. And some people live very far from friends and co-workers. But, I know several people who refuse to take the metro-link (subway-like train) downtown even though they live close to a stop. Then there's those who live by people they know, but won't carpool to work or to a baseball game or whatever.