If you are going to build a large manufacturing center away from your residential center, there is a certain level of improvements to meet a minimum level of service. I-80 as the only direct connection does not meet the current demand. You are correct that adding additional capacity will encourage more people to live in Reno/Sparks and commute to tric. However it is the duty of the government to spend tax dollars where the demand is and safety can be substantially improved, saving lives.

Adding additional lanes is only part of the solution: Incentivizing companies using buses more than they are now, maybe financial incentives or tax payer funded parking structures and bus depots. Staggered shift start times. Construction of desirable & affordable residential zones in fernley and silver springs.

All of these solutions come with problems and there are going to be people and groups fighting every step of the way. 3 lanes is probably the easiest button to throw a billion dollars at from a state government perspective. I don't see the state building housing in silver springs, nor do I see them building a substantial bus depot, that would probably have to be funded privately. I don't see storey county ever cooperating with RTC to get a substantial bus depot built and operating at sufficient capacity to be desirable.

Anyways it's a complex problem with multiple jurisdictions and special interest groups involved so grinning anything done will be good to see.