The price of a barrel of oil has now reached one hundred US dollars. As a result, the price of petrol at the pump will hit and probably exceed $ 1.50 a litre.
That is probably the catalyst we need to accelerate the search for non-oil options. Every time the price of oil rises it opens doors. Without that incentive there would not be an ethanol industry. Without it there is little chance that billions would have been spent developing the hybrid cars with a small engine to supplement electrical motors.
In the short term there will be casualties. Holiday motoring will be sharply reduced on the basis of cost and the trend to smaller, more fuel efficient cars may see a realignment in the car industry.
One thing is certain. More people will leave the car at home and opt for public transport to get to and from work - and there is no chance that the state government will be able to react swiftly to increase services.
Patrons can look forward to crowded buses and trains - and on past indications - further fare hikes. More patronage should mean public transport is more profitable - and that could justify a fare decrease - but government does not see it that way.
It seems to be a case of opportunity lost. The move to public transport occurs immediately the cost of petrol increases - but unless that public transport is efficient and welcoming patrons return to their cars in frustration.
It seems that the doors opening will happen in the private sector as big business grasps opportunity. Unfortunately any improvement in public transport is still a distant future dream !
No comments:
Post a Comment