Shaping America's Cities: Part 3 - A Debate Over Mass Transit

Bruegmann: "The idea that the best way to solve these problems is by remaking our cities at higher density to discourage the use of the automobile and to make it easier to run traditional trains and buses is not just a confusion of ends and means. It is a symptom of a fear that human ingenuity can no longer solve our problems by moving forward, solving problems and creating more opportunity for everyone...it is highly unlikely that traditional buses or trains will supplant private transportation in any significant way."

Ohland: "...sprawl has severely restricted choice so that the only way that it's possible to get to school or work or the grocery store is by car...we can't build our way out of congestion, though we certainly have tried...Families can no longer get by on one or two cars once children reach driving age-they need three or four or more cars, which exacts a significant toll on the household budget...This, Bob, is why it's so hard to get people out of their cars. People really have no choice but to drive."