I think you are mixing units here (km2 vs square mile). According to wikipedia NY density is 11313/km2 which would ranked 18th city in Europe. SF would be 29th with 7194/km2. I would argue that NY public transit is absolutely doing a fine job (cleanliness appart) and it's moving 7.5 million peoples on a weekday (was higher pre-pandemic)
Density is needed for proper public transit and locally accessible services to flourish.
Density is needed for proper public transit and locally accessible services to flourish.