Surface Transportation and Oil Policy

Each the the steps described in the agenda have potential to deliver at least twice as much passenger distance traveled per unit energy without much compromising and often enhancing time-to-destination, convenience, comfort, affordability and safety. Combined, they can reduce energy consumption by an order of magnitude.  (However, distance per day per person in the US has increased at about 2% per year over the last century which is likely to continue and be intensified in the developing world.  Transportation is an important element of human potential.)

The items are listed according to the cost and probable order of adoption. Ridesharing only requires software for mobile phones or dashboard navigation units.  On-board speed advisories will make city streets safer and more pleasant (lower maximum speeds but quicker trips) and  can double city MPG using only idle engine cut-off.  Roadtrains might physically hitch, even while moving at highway speeds, to give all-electric cars unlimited range even before the arterials are electrified.  Electrification is the most flexible and least fuel intensive way to move vehicles because power plants can convert heat energy much more efficiently than car engines, which are also very heavy.  Guideways require major new infrastructure with costs comparable to the investment in rail in the 19th and highways in the 20th century.  Evacuated maglev for intercity travel will require even larger public investment but might be realized in this century.