At GreenXchange: The simple tech behind de-car-ing
How hard is it to get a city to de-car? According to Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), not at all. In his talk at the GreenXchange conference yesterday -- as part of the "Next Generation Transportation Technologies" panel, Blumenauer said that "The book I want to write is that it doesn't have to be this hard."
After all, the proven technologies are simple and already there: A pair of shoes, a streetcar, and a bicycle, according to Blumenauer (right). He's the guy that intro'd the legislation to remove the $25,000 SUV and Hummer tax break people have been getting for years.
How are we de-car-ing in LA? Roger Snoble of the Metro spoke about the Metro's work, though most of what he said rehashed what we already know: that the Metro's working on expanding rail, building LEED-certified facilities, and putting in solar installations. Snoble did mention that Metro's getting six hybrid buses are coming soon, and that all-electric buses should become "doable" in 5 years or so.
For the record, I took the 704 bus to the conference in Century City, then the 4 back. The 704 got stuck -- as did everyone on the road -- in the morning traffic, but the 4 sped me home to Santa Monica in like 20 minutes -- letting me enjoy the wine at the end-of-day cocktail party! Here's how I've de-car'd.
Photos by Siel
