Cars Are Here To Stay, Transit Is Not The Answer

"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."