I just know that when Uber was charging $60 for a ride to the airport (a couple years ago it was half that), my sister found a way to take transit for $3. This was in Seattle.
I would take public transit where I live but I’m about 1-2 miles from the nearest bus stop that could get me to the airport (too far to walk with checked luggage). No big lots or houses where I live - people crammed in. The bus is unpredictable and runs infrequently and takes a very long route to get to the airport. (1+hr) If I take the train, I have to go even further walking and then I have to pay something like $9 then make a transfer (more time spent) and pay another $6. The time spent is maybe less than the bus but because of transfer - it can be quite slow.
Add in that I’m usually traveling with a partner and I love to get to the airport just as boarding starts and this is a colossal waste of time + money. I pay the $30-35 for a Lyft/Uber and it’s way faster and more reliable. Sometimes cheaper too. It’s like 1/3rd the time spent (20-25min) vs 1.5hr+. Oh and I’m not adding in the unpleasantness of either transit option - just cost and time…
I live in the peninsula of SFBA and go to SFO at least twice a year. Seattle has much better options for SeaTac if you’re in the actual city.
I've realized that I can just drive to the airport, pay for long term parking ($13/day) and still come out even with Uber fares for trips as long as 3 weeks. This is something I used to do a decade ago. It's hilarious that we have gone a full circle on this.
The more apt comparison is calling a cab to take you to the airport. I've never had to wait more than a few minutes at any hour of day or night, and the pricing is equivalent to Uber.