[lbo-talk] the petro-thusians have their moment

[Carl Remick]

>From: Jon Johanning <jjohanning at igc.org>
>
>On Sep 23, 2004, at 3:09 PM, Carl Remick wrote:
>
>>It seems to me that computer-assisted driving, satellite-navigation, 
>>guidance magnets embedded in pavement, etc. will make existing issues of 
>>private cars vs. mass transportation and high vs. low population density 
>>obsolete.  Automatic navigation will make it possible for even infirm 
>>drivers to drive safely.  It will also lead to cars being much cheaper -- 
>>smaller and more energy efficient -- because collisions would be virtually 
>>eliminated and there would be no safety-based rationale for large 
>>vehicles.
>
>Great -- that's all we need: more private cars!
>
>On the contrary, what is needed is more car sharing schemes, such as we 
>have in Philly. Most cars sit idle most of the time, in driveways or 
>parking garages and lots, and when they are used only carry one or two 
>people. What the country needs is more cooperative activity -- people 
>helping each other, not walling off their lives from each other.

The "cars" I envision would be too small to share.  They would be more like 
high-powered all-weather wheel chairs -- not the high-tonnage, multi-person 
huge boxes that constitute today's autos.  They could be linked together for 
multi-person transit.  Travelers could spend all their time in conversation, 
watching the scenery, snoozing, etc. because navigation would be fully 
automatic.  Just punch in the code for your destination and sit back and 
enjoy the ride.

This type of transportation would combine the best features of old-fashioned 
mass transit (passive travel and energy efficiency) with those of the 
automobile (freedom in selecting destinations and time of travel).

Those who find the image of a high-speed wheel chair not macho enough could 
have their vehicles styled like today's motorcycles and even continue to 
wear black leather outfits :)

Carl