WHERE WE ARE

American consumers are accustomed to big cars, cheap gas, and open roads. Relative to the US, gasoline is taxed heavily in European countries, where smaller vehicles and congestion pricing are common. Per capital vehicle miles traveled in the US continues to climb, as forests and prairies make way for sprawling suburbs ever more distant from the city. But the gridlock and ninety minute commutes have grown tiresome. Public transportation, biking, and the changing of lifestyles to incorporate more walking are gaining popularity, along with non-traditional approaches such as the I-Go car sharing concept, carpooling, scooters, and the Segway.

WHERE WE ARE GOING

As the standard of living increases in countries like Brazil, India, and China, millions more cars will be put on the road. How transportation issues are solved around the world will determine the effectiveness of efforts to mitigate climate change before the problems become any more expensive (or irreversible). Policy in the area of transportation is often slow to change, but fuel efficiency standards notwithstanding; it would behoove Detroit to become part of the solution in order to remain globally competitive.