I think the biggest problem keeping people from driving small cars -- and most only drive themselves shorter distances -- is not a desire for status or luxury but simple safety, especially for their children. We need alternate road systems where only smaller lighter vehicles at lower speeds..sharing perhaps with bicycles etc.. are going. So you would only crash with each other and not a Greyhound bus. We also need trains that would pull cars like ski ropes and you get off at your destination. or maybe like putting your car onthe ferry, something like that but for highways. I take the bus and walk now but I would be a perfect candidate for a smart car or a zebra or something..except the winds here would probably blow it off the road. mg