Keep in mind my socio-political opinions are as radical as they get. I'm no longer convinced that government itself, at all, is essential to a civilized society. "Are you insane!? That's anarchy." No I'm not insane. Yes that is anarchy, but probably not at all what you're imagining. It's an enormous subject and WAY beyond the scope here, but I'm laying my POV on the table.
I'll begin with one of my favorite quotes:
The first law of economics is scarcity. The first law of politics is to ignore the first law of economics.
1 - PLANNING
Q: Who is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance of freeways?
A: The government with the quasi-exception of leased land to toll roads.
Q: What are the objectives, risks and rewards for government to carry out said objective?
A: I think we could all agree that the proper objective is to serve the commuter so that their transit time and complexity is as minimal as possible; so that the user of a transportation corridor (note my language) can achieve their goals with maximum possible efficiency. I did not say tele-porting, or 24/7 free flowing traffic, I said maximum possible efficiency, and this will be a function of cost to users and the reality of scarce resources.
We're already in trouble in the case of government. Government does not need to operate in pursuit of profit and fear of total failure because of the way it is funded and because it lays claim to, and enforces a monopoly in providing a "public good." Many people feel this is not only good because the profit motive is in their opinion exploitative, but somehow essential; that otherwise "public goods" would be of inferior quality or not exist at all. Bollocks I say! You're experiencing the reality.
What, why and how should it be?
This is a high level, and more utilitarian perspective than my more radical and ideological POV. Still, betcha it resonates doesn't it?
A little deeper, and in my school of thought.
With more history and implications for societal organization.
Public Sector, II: Streets and Roads - from "For a New Liberty"
The issues of population and culture either follow from here or are different subjects altogether. Let's start with this.