> whereas every other public transport system in the world runs clean trains and stations, efficient, and self-sufficient.

Doubt the self sufficient part. Public transit needs to be subsidized with taxes to an extent. It’s just a matter of how much a government is willing to subsidize. Trying to make it break even or profitable will lead to a system that will price people out and just incentivize car driving. But I do agree that the MTA really should be restructured and their spending scrutinized more.