Lester, we are discussing the future.  Since neither of us has a crystal ball, we are both trading in beliefs, or opinions if you prefer.  Clearly you are smart and well-read, so I don’t dismiss your opinions, but I disagree with some of them.  You believe that locals won’t “suddenly forsake their land galleons.”  I disagree.  I have seen virulent opposition to mass transit turn into much higher than anticipated usage with Washington DC’s Metro and even demands that the system be extended to neighborhoods not currently serviced.  In London, the congestion tax, which was designed in part to get more people to ride mass transit, was initially met with bitter anger and resentment.  It is now broadly accepted.  Here in Hawaii, the number of teens aged 15 to 19 who are licensed drivers plummeted 38.3% between 1995 and 2015 and the numbers continue to fall.  That is not a matter of belief. http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/teens-say-no-to-drivers-license/