I would be interested in seeing some empirical numbers on this. I live in NYC and have driven a Zipcar here a handful of times for errands. The experience is . . . not great.

This has made me wonder: who are these people in cars? And parked up and down the street? What are their reasons for using the mode of transport they do? I ponder this regularly. Sometimes I have the most irrational urge to go around and knock on people's windows to ask. I never do, of course.

I know for most things I do, the car would be the worst possible way to accomplish them. Walking or subway are better, and biking is best. But maybe for others the story is different. There are some obvious good reasons: tradespeople, delivery trucks, taxis and ride-sharing services. But who are the rest?

That said, I don't think you can really expect people to buy this claim without providing evidence.