Following an earthquake that demolished the freeways, passenger usage jumped to 36,000 per day due to the fact that it took more time to drive using local streets than taking the Metrolink. As the freeways were reconstructed, revenue dropped to near pre-quake levels. This proves that people will leave their cars when there is a service available that takes less time. Designing for the car in the face of growth is a recipe for increased stress and decreased quality of life. Designing for neighborhoods is the answer.
Most people believe the alternative to cars is better transit - in truth, it's better neighborhoods.
We hear a lot of rhetoric to that affect in San Diego. What we don't see is substantive follow-through. Carolyn Chase is editor of San Diego Earth Times and Chair of the Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter.