While I don't know your area, it is an unfortunate reality that public transportation systems are generally not viable in the United States. Many look at Europe as a great example of how to make public trans work. Most however do not realize:
1. Europe has over twice the population density of the United States.
2. European governments heavily subsidize public transportation systems through high taxes personal taxes and then encourage the use of the public systems by lower fares (that are lowered because you have already been forced to subsidize the systems).
3. European governments discourage personal transportation use through high taxes on gasoline.

So you want a good public transportation system? Then ask for and elect a government that will take your money, put it into the public system, and then further tax you to encourage you to use it.

As for the bike/scooter question, my commute is along 4 lane byways that I would not feel safe using either to travel along.

Roger