Even in suburbia public transport is perfectly viable. You can set up networks of high-frequency stops places decently far apart, so the average person is maybe half a mile from the nearest stop. Then people can use micro-mobility options like scooters to cover that last mile.

And if there aren't bike lanes or places for people to safely ride scooters? A city can create those overnight with a few traffic cones. There's just no political will to do so. When gas is $7 a gallon, that might change.