Cars Are Here To Stay, Transit Is Not The Answer

UC Davis Professor Daniel Sperling, a transportation expert and member of CA's ARB has co-written "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability". In this radio interview, Sperling describes cleaner auto technologies but dismisses transit's role.

1 minute read

January 16, 2009, 11:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"Sperling is the co-author (with Deborah Gordon) of Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability, a book that considers the environmental impact of so many automobiles and suggests ways that politicians, car companies and the general public can curb car-ownership and reduce climate change."

While most of the talk is on technology, he discusses the roles of transit, land use, and bicycling and car-share.

"Mass transit won't solve our energy and transportation problems," states Sperling.

The average bus passenger contributes as much greenhouse gases as a car driver because the buses aren't full, he explains.

He does support 'price signals' and suggests a 'floor' on the price of gasoline.

He cites SB 375, a law he will deal with as a board member of the California Air Resources Board, as a way to encourage more efficient land use.

From book review: "In Two Billion Cars, transportation experts Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon provide a concise history of America's love affair with cars and an overview of the global oil and auto industries."

Thursday, January 15, 2009 in NPR: 'Fresh Air'

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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