See also these related posts:
»  Two factors mean the end of air travel as we know it. The Vancouver Sun, 17 April 2008. References the book.
»  Peak oil spike reshapes the suburbs. The Georgia Straight, 15 May 2008. Interview with Anthony Perl.
»  Hamilton: The Electric City. City of Hamilton (Ont.), 13 April 2006. Report by Gilbert on electrifying transport in this industrial city.

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Gilbert, R. and Perl, A. (2007) "Transport Revolutions: Moving People and Freight Without Oil." London: Earthscan.

Transport Revolutions sets out challenges to industrialized societies’ growing dependence on transport fueled by low-priced oil. One challenge is the possible imminence of the peak in world oil production. This would be followed by gradually declining production during a period when world oil consumption is projected to increase substantially. The shortfall between expected demand and supply could result in extremely high oil prices. Another challenge is potentially catastrophic climate change caused at least in part by combustion of oil and other fossil fuels.

The high oil prices in particular could give rise to two or more revolutions in land transport during the first half of the 21st century. One would involve the replacement of internal combustion engines by electric motors. Another would involve widespread powering of these motors directly from the electric grid rather than from on-board fuel. Together, and with necessary organizational innovations, these transformations would allow considerable movement of people and freight by land in an era of severe energy constraints and concerns about carbon emissions.

Marine transport and aviation will be constrained by continued dependence on portable fuels. Movement by water can be assisted by wind, but there is no such relief for movement by air, which could require profound transformation to ensure commercial viability.

For more, see the book website www.transportrevolutions.info/

Praise for Transport Revolutions:

"A terrific book! Gilbert and Perl present the case for revolutionary change in transportation over the next two decades and spell out the policy options before us, illuminating the consequences of the paths we may choose... This book deserves to be read, debated and recommended to others."
- Elizabeth Deakin, Professor of City Planning and Director, Transportation Center, University of California

"Gilbert and Perl challenge the wishful thinking that underpins transport planning all around the world in a way that is impossible to ignore. This book should be on the desk of every transport minister's chief policy advisor."
- John Adams, Emeritus Professor of Geography, University College London