OK, born and raised a Detroiter. Over 60, and here's my take on what happened.

[Heywood J]

95. Trains are desirable to have as well, but trains only work in certain places.

This former GO-Transit rider would love to be able to take a commuter train to work and be able to read my paper instead of tamping down the road rage. That only works when population density supports it, though, and urban sprawl is a separate issue that deserves to be addressed. Where density makes it practical, I'm all for figuring out a way to make it happen. NYC makes a great example of being able to get around by rail.

Realistically, I think it's going to take some kind of quantum leap to get people out of cars when considering the individualistic culture, the investment already made by individuals who drive, the flexibility it provides, etc. You also have to account for the volume of truck traffic (until you can find a way to end just-in-time shipping), tourists and other long-distance travelers, etc. To be honest, there's an entire industry devoted to selling cars and promoting their use on every TV station, radio station, magazine, Web ad, etc. There's really nothing similar for trains, so the level of consciousness would need to be raised.