What Is the Tea Party Movement's Policy on Trolley Cars (aka Light Rail)? Actually Who Knows?

What defines a government's level of support for public transport - particularly 'street rail' (tram, light rail, trolley systems)?

As a generally central left voter (Labor / Democrat / Liberal) I have always viewed Leftist governments (at any level) as the main supporters of public transport in our cities.  As evidenced as most post war systems exist in former socialist counties. While Right / Conservative / Republican governments are generally more supportive of 'individual' transport options like cars and roads.

However in recent times, this distinction is not so clear.  Where I live in Australia, we have anti-tram right wing governments in Queensland and Victoria (Melbourne ironically being one of the largest tram networks in the world), in New South Wales the right wing government is building what is likely the biggest light rail extension anywhere in the world today.

Under conservative rule, the UK is expanding street rail in nearly 10 cities.

So what is the leading indicator of a government's level of support for street rail these days.  Please comments.

(I am not so clear on the state / city politics of the US (who is :) ?) So please add to the debate by commenting below.)

Cheers,