I do not think mass transit models will ever "take" in the U.S. Given the interstate infrastructure already in place, and the individualistic American culture, I think the solution to our mass transportation woes lies in fuel efficient smart cars. The scenario I envision:
I get into my electric car in the morning. I drive it down to the convenience store, grab a bite to eat, and head over to the interstate entrance ramp. As I drive up the entrance ramp, the car's computer takes over. The car accelerates onto the interstate. A "train" of 20 cars approaches from behind - our speeds are synched (at a swift 100 mph or so), and I am seamlessly latched onto the car train (meanwhile, I'm enjoying my breakfast, watching television, or reading the paper). I tell my car which exit I want. 20 minutes later, my car detaches from the train, and decelerates to the exit ramp... I drive to my building and hop out - my car drives itself to the daily car storag unit (5 miles away or so), and awaits my cell phone call that I'm ready to be picked up.
I would not be surprised if a "car train" described above (with cars designed explicitly for such a purpose) could approach energy efficiencies of hundreds of miles per gallon for each car.
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I would not be surprised if a "car train" described above (with cars designed explicitly for such a purpose) could approach energy efficiencies of hundreds of miles per gallon for each car.