How viable is public transport?

Here is an editorial by L Venkatachalam who argues on the pros and cons of Public Transport. Vs Private Transport. He says to reduce the negative impact of increasing fuel prices, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has advised the public to utilise public transportation system (PTS) as an alternative means of transportation. The author further argues to day that Public transport ia not a perfect substitute for Private tranaport. He explains the current condition of public transport in Chennai.