This situation is a national issue in the US. Solutions to this issue will not occur (and there are many workable possiblities) until the mindset of the average American has been changed.
In the meantime, I think a good start would be a $2-3/gallon additional fuel tax to help support the huge military investment we maintain just to keep the oil flowing for the mideast. Once people have to start really paying for motoring 20 miles from their 'estate' in the suburbs, they might start to consider things a little differently.
Dave