Why is there such an anti public transit attitude here with some people?

I almost exclusively take the bus and metro train 99% of the places I want to go since I moved here a few months ago. I’ve taken it during the day and night and I’ve never felt unsafe, in fact anytime there have been issues the rta drivers would be hard on them and kick the person off the bus or get the police involved (which has only been 2 occasions that I’ve seen).

Everytime I am hanging out with friends and they want to go somewhere, I suggest just hopping on the bus or train if I know it’s not going to take long. They insist on taking an Uber even if where we are going is perfectly accessible by rta and a lot cheaper (like going to the west side market from downtown or little Italy).

When I tell people I use the rta it generally goes something like “I could never” or “that sounds scary.” I get the concern I suppose but why do people look down on those of us who are fine with using the rta to get around? I live downtown and save a lot of money by using the rta.

I moved here from a place with nearly zero public transit and compared to where I was I would say it’s pretty good most of the time.

Edit- I am aware of many of the issues of the RTA here. I didn’t realize that it used to be better, I was just comparing it to my experiences to where I’m from. In upstate NY public transit is nearly nonexistent and in the cities that have a bus, it’s not good or reliable. I used to live in Syracuse, NY for reference. For me it’s very nice having access to a bus and train (even if there’s a ton of weirdos) because I never had that. Although I do agree that there’s a lot that can be improved for sure.

I also get a RTA pass through my college so it’s free for me (and my friends who go here). I suppose if I was paying per ride it would add up more.

Thank you everyone for all of the helpful insight! I guess I have been fairly lucky. I tend to mind my own business and I also carry a taser/pepper spray and try to stay very alert of my surroundings (especially as a woman).