Austin, (Ozzie908),
I am under the understanding that your gasoline taxes help fund many things from healthcare, which you have had as a basic thing since 1946, etc., etc. perhaps it may be lacking some for poorer folks, but no system is ever perfect. I know you have public as well as private hospitals, for those whom are wealthier, as does Germany, and Australia, France, etc.
Also, while Lincoln may be outside a large metropolitain area, and you must rely on a car to commute daily, in London, Paris, etc., etc., mass transit is way, way better than here in the USA. Our rail roads are used mainly only for freight.
The only places with a subway are NY city, Pittsburgh has a small system that doesn't go every where, Los Angeles (same approximate coverage), as well as light rail, and the San Francisco Bay area.
Cleveland has light rail, as does Dallas, San Diego, and Chicago has the Elevated trains and a fairly good commuter rail system to the burbs, as does the NY metro area.
Detroit has only busses. Miami has a people mover only downtown, like Detroit.
So, many places have a choice not to drive to work in Europe, and the U.K., and mostly enjoy cars on weekends.