You won't find many Iranians opting to use public transport for the good of the environment.

Lack of choice and potential lobbying from the car industry might also be factors here. I can't imagine anyone who would drive if there was cheap and plentiful public transport available.

Like Americans, they would rather sit in their own air-conditioned vehicles in interminable traffic jams.

I'd say the same for the Americans. A century of pro-car policy removes the illusion of choice.