AUSTIN | Transportation Updates

[Scottolini]

I know this statement is a little out there, but is the problem then that people in the U.S. are just entirely too spoiled? Have too much money on their hands? I mean even many "poor' people I know have cars, and cable, and eat out all the time, and many other things that could be considered unnecessary luxuries.

It just seems absurd that billions need to be spent on a rail, when dedicated lanes for buses would be sufficient. But it seems most people think they're too good to ride the bus in the U.S.

I really do think the government should make automobile ownership such an expensive luxury that we will be forced to redevelop our cities to reasonable density levels to allow the masses who can't drive anymore a place to live. Then people will be forced to walk, bike, and use mass transit. Then maybe all these people who flip out about spending money on sidewalks, bike lanes, and mass transit will stop.

I know that's an extreme point of view, and many would say un-American, but it may be what it will take for Americans to get over their obsession with the automobile.