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Not just "technically". They're massively better for the climate.
Technically, a fully electrified transportation sector that focuses on EVs is even better for the climate than a transportation sector without cars and focused just on public transit.
But the main reason is that convincing people to switch to EVs is waaaaaaaaaaaay faster, cheaper, and more doable than convincing people to rebuild our entire transportation infrastructure.
As far as I'm concerned, yes public transit is more desirable, but the climate emergency is more pressing. Once we're fully electrified, then we can begin transitioning to mass transit options. But it's a matter of priorities: the ongoing destruction of the climate is more important than efficient transit.
This is the biggest qualm I have. It's not an either or. We can have more EVs and better transit too, so we can and should push for both at the same time. They both solve climate problems, and transit also gives better quality of life, in my opinion.
Additionally, I believe that the best way towards a greener world is to make the green option the easiest option for people. Buying an EV is very expensive for an individual, adding friction to the decision to purchase and alienating certain economic classes. If we were to put public funds towards good transit options instead of repairing the endless sprawl of roads, then we would see mass adoption of those transit options in favor of both ICEs and EVs, as it would be seen as viable competition to car ownership.
Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance. That was my biggest issue with the White House statement. I agree that the climate emergency is a major concern, and EVs might be quicker to adopt (I have concerns about the accuracy of the claim though). But we can and should work in parallel. The statement put so much focus on EVs, when I really think that better mass transit options should have at least an equal focus.
But with limited funds, shouldn't we go for the biggest bang for our buck regarding the environment?
It likely depends. From a time efficiency perspective, doing both would be best. If money is the bottleneck, then it's probably best to find more money (tax the rich please?) or make budget adjustments so that time is the bottleneck instead (it is a climate emergency after all). I've heard that it is cheaper to maintain compact and mixed-use zoning areas over the classic strip mall with parking lots common across North America, and that could be enough for cities to see reorganizing the infrastructure as an investment over paying increasing maintenance costs. Of course that's a big up front cost, but it over time it would be cheaper.
It seems like we do disagree on the exact impact both options have, which could help in deciding the priority. I don't have any data to prove either side on this one, but if you know of any sources on that, I would love to see it.
Well I mean if you were the King of America, sure. But the money constraints are there because of political opposition, if we (democrats) could override that we would.
I think this is where we disagree. Public transit projects are notoriously expensive and take a long time. Electrifying the existing infrastructure (roads and cars) is much easier.
I think we might be coming at this differently. In my view, the environment is the primary goal, and efficient transportation is a secondary goal. I think you're seeing them both as equal goals.
It seems like you're talking in good faith here, so I'd be willing to find data. But before I do, I want to suggest a simple thought exercise to you: if all vehicles are electric, isn't that essentially a 100% impact? An equivalent would be 100% electrified public transit. The former scenario involves keeping the existing systems, just swapping to electric. The latter involves redesign of a majority of our infrastructure, AND electrifying. Doesn't it sound like the latter option will be more difficult?