Quote Originally Posted by bmccasland View Post
round transport. You'd be hard pressed to get most of us Norte Americanos out of our cars.

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I think that's how I'd approach the question - compare NA to EU to Africa - NA personal transportation (cars), EU personal but more public (yes?), Africa - mostly public. So, what does that say about those societies? Did the form of transportation lead to the society or visa versa? (I know, that's the original question), but I think looking at different combos from different parts of the world might sort of give an answer.
Then there's the Amish in the US - I'd say in their case the transport evolved around the society. But, I think you look at LA and the society evolved around the transport!
Where I live we have a huge beautiful bus transportation center built right on the bypass. they built it for a gazillion dollars right before I moved here 11 years ago. It has never opened. At least it's parking lot has become a good place for car and motorcycle training classes.