The Car Is King

"Around the nation, states and municipalities plagued by traffic backups and the spiraling costs of building new roads are promoting biking, van- and carpools and mass transit as alternatives to the single-occupancy car commute that is the norm in America. These programs, which cost taxpayers over $8 billion annually, are popular with environmental groups and state and local governments. But current data suggest that despite state and federal efforts, these programs are making little difference in the car-centered culture of America. According to Census 2000 data, 75 percent of people still drive to work alone in cars, trucks or vans. Only 4.7 percent use public transportation, and a mere 0.38 percent commute by bicycle... In spite of discouraging data, states continue to spend millions of dollars to lure residents out of their cars."