<p>In the 1950s, huge amounts were spent to create our interstate highway system. And a great system it is, but now we all depend on cars to get from one place to another. In most of our suburbs and small cities, there is little to no mass transit, so if one wants to get around without a car, it’s pretty difficult. And if one wants to get to a city, say, an hour away, there are usually few public transportation alternatives. </p>
<p>The northeast corridor is an exception, as one can go from Boston down to DC on Amtrak, and DC, NY, and Boston all have underground transportation. </p>
<p>Where you live, is there any decent and reliable mass transit? Have people in your area been clamoring for it? It seems to me that – while it would be expensive – it would solve a lot of our problems.</p>
<p>I think the problem is that a lot of we, being so used to taking their cars wherever they go, simply aren’t that excited about the idea of using public transportation.</p>
<p>Another challenge is the way communities here are set up. In suburbs, we generally have spread-out residential areas that are separate from commercial areas. Unless bus systems can frequently make many stops around many neighborhoods, it’s going to be more practical to drive a car to go shopping and whatnot. </p>
<p>In countries like Japan, for example, suburbs are usually arranged such that anyone can walk anywhere to do most things (shop for groceries, watch a movie, go to school, etc). Roads are made for walking, and the vast majority walk or ride bicycles instead of drive. The train systems in cities are superb, and public transportation is much more deeply ingrained in the culture than it is here. While investing in better public transportation here is a step in the right direction, making this work effectively is going to take some time and changes in American mindset/lifestyle.</p>
<p>Don’t you think we’re ready for that change??</p>