"Only three barriers to driving exist and they are the cost of gas, the cost of parking, and competing traffic."

And the cost of insurance, the cost of maintenance, etc.

I totally understand your point, and can see why you feel that way. Personally, I feel a bit differently. Owning a car is a huge burden that, the minute I have a better way, I would gladly give up. Not that I would stop using a car entirely -- for some things, it can't be beat -- but I would prefer to be able to treat them like I treat trucks: I don't own one. Instead, I rent one when I need it.