It's one of the benefits of (extremely) high density living. I don't think we're going to solve our dependence on oil unless we can get most of the country living (and working) in high density arrangements, but I don't see any way to make that happen.

Because there might be benefits to high density but I can tell you that there are a lot of downsides to it, too. And as much as I want us to stop burning oil, it's not enough to get me to give up our detached, single-family home with a yard. And I'm pretty sure that I'm more motivated than a lot of people.