Transport Solutions for the 21st Century

How Narrow Cars, Narrow Lanes, and Fast Trains Can Make Us Arrive Faster, Cheaper, and Safer

That necessity is the mother of invention was recently proved true when the rise in fuel prices ensured that many Americans invented ways of getting to their work and other places without the aid of expensive fuel. There has been a ten percent plunge in fuel usage, and, together with the
 worsening economy and global warming, it has becomes imperative to find ways in which Americans can continue to reach their destinations in a more fuel efficient, less expensive way.

While global warming has been the major reason for the drive to lessen CO2 emissions in motor vehicles and the aviation industry, it is only one of several reasons that transport options need to be changed. American roadways take up more land space than buildings do, and with the continual increase in the number of cars on the road, there is less and less land for farming. Food is fundamental to human existence, and it is anticipated that as a result of global warming, drought and other weather catastrophes will affect food supplies in the future. It, therefore, becomes vital that more, rather than less land, is available for farming. There needs to be a back up system so that if the north cannot supply food, then the south can, and if the west faces a shortage of food, then the east can ship in food. Another vital reason for finding alternative solutions to the current method of one person driving a car designed to seat four, is that America owes Japan $585.9 billion, China $541 billion, the United Kingdom $307.4 billion, the OPEC nations 179.8 billion and the Caribbean Banking Centers $147.7 billion. In total, the American government owes $2.67 trillion dollars to various foreign governments - 20% of American GDP - and ultimately, it is the American consumer that is going to pay in the form of taxes When due date arrives, many citizens will probably not be able to afford the price of transport. A stitch in time saves nine. Consumers need to take action now.

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Great article, Tessa. Very well and thorough presented. It is counterproductive how we Americans are so attached to not only having a car, but also a big one, too. Gas price got above $4/gallon here (in Downtown San Diego) two years ago and the buses and trolleys were still running half empty. :oP I guess we can do with some changes in the zoning law to not compartmentalize 'residential areas' from 'business areas' so much so that people have to have a car to commute. I'm spoiled living and working in downtown since I can just walk everywhere. :o)

Posted on 02/11/2009 at 4:02:20 PM

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