Check out the Wikapedia article. States the extensive use of mass transit has reduced gas consumption in NYC to 1920's levels. Of course, sprawling cites like LA or Dallas don't have the population density to duplicate this. It's worth noting the city is required to buy only the most energy-efficient vehicles and appliances.

 

It's easy for your gas consumption to drop when half the population leaves the state.

 

Hmmm....requiring hybrid taxis and energy-efficient copying machines, air conditioner cause a massive exdous? Last I checked, New York state has around 21 million and is about the 3rd or 4th populous state. Also mentioned that mass transit would not work as well in a spread out city.
Again, I'm not about to say NYC is a typical city or even an overall model city.

 

Well there was definitely a period of decline, and compared to the USA population which has exploded in that same time period, NY hasn't exactly been a growth magnet. Still, compared to 1920...that's very good work!

 

When you think of how many people probably still used horses in the 1920s....

I just wonder what is meant by 'rate'- is it per capita, do you think? Because with double the population, they'd still have double the gas consumption. Not that that still isn't very low for today, however. I'd like to see Chicago go with a 'must buy most energey efficient technology' standard, too, but somehow I doubt it.