But local wag, Jim Karlock, has an idea: Buy a new car. Now.

This will end the debate about the best way to save energy, reduce CO2 and reduce foreign oil imports. Hands down it will be to encourage people to abandon transit and save money, energy,CO2 and oil by driving a new car!!

Here are the numbers:
47 mpg (125,000 BTU/gal) = 2,660 BTU/vehicle-mile
2660 BTU/vehicle mile = 1662 BTU/passenger-mile (1.6 people per car average)

Obama 47 mpg car =1,662 – efficient, low cost and convenient
Commuter rail =2,751 – ENERGY WASTER!
Amtrak = 2,935 – ENERGY WASTER!
Average Transit Rail = 3,228 – ENERGY WASTER!
Average BUS =4,160 – GAS GUZZLER!! (Ok its really Diesel)

Of course the bad news is that more people will die due to smaller, less safe cars, but the good news is that driving will still be safer than light rail (and probably Amtrak).