What significant change occurred in urban transport after the invention of the automobile?

The correct response highlights a pivotal transformation in urban transport dynamics following the invention of the automobile. The introduction of cars significantly altered the development pattern of cities. With the rise of automobile ownership, urban planners and city officials increasingly favored road infrastructure over traditional public transit options like streetcars. This shift led to the decline of streetcar systems in many cities as they struggled to compete with the personal convenience and flexibility offered by automobiles.

As a result, cities witnessed a phenomenon known as urban sprawl, characterized by the expansion of urban areas into previously rural land. This change was largely driven by the desire for more personal space, often resulting in lower-density developments that spread outward from the urban core. The predominance of cars also influenced zoning laws and land use policies, which favored single-family homes with easy access to roads, further promoting sprawl and reshaping metropolitan landscapes.

In summary, the transition from streetcar systems to automobiles not only marked a significant shift in urban transport but also fundamentally altered the urban form and lifestyle of many cities, leading to expansive development patterns that are characteristic of modern urban environments.