In USA they fund maintenance by developing the sprawl. So they are stuck in this circle where if they don't develop, they can't maintain, but developing means more surface to maintain, etc.

Also how much supposed leasure time is wasted sitting in all those cars, making the people frustrated, sick and unfulfilled?

they're not really maintained much anymore other than minor stuff. even that costs tons of money and is of minimal benefit for job security of departments doing it. you'll all be dead before any major development or changes occur. and even if they decided to do something major, the construction of it while you wait for it to be done over the years will make transportation even more unbearable for those years.