How essential something is I believe moves on a sliding scale depending on our economy. For some things, such as some of the things you mention, that scale slides pretty quickly. But in a poor, slow moving economy, I'm thinking that helping to keep our transit system going should be a lot more important than many other extras. Many of those who are out there trying to make a living & are still struggling depend on public transportation to get to & from work. I would rather pay for a dependable transit system for those hardworking people than pay for them on welfare.