Austin is a city facing the great challenges of the future, prepared for new innovations
and ideas. In this context of adaptation and change, Capital Metro, the local public
transportation provider, has proposed the construction of a high speed light rail system to
better connect the city and its people. The light rail system could help channel growth in Austin and
help relieve traffic problems but only if people are willing to ride the rails. Are
Austinites prepared to give up their cars for public transportation? American culture
emphasizes individuality and requires wide personal space. As Rifkin emphasizes in his book,
Biosphere Politics, "the automobile personifies the autonomy and mobility" (Rifkin, 177)
that are so important in our society. However, the costs of driving automobiles are steadily on the rise,and
economics will soon dictate the need to change cultural preferences to reduce reliance on cars and
increase the use of mass transit systems.
