单项选择题

Directions: There are 10 questions in this part of the test. Read the passage through. Then, go back and choose one suitable word or phrase marked A, B, C, or D for each blank in the passage.
Assuming that a constant travel-time budget, geographic constraints and short-term infrastructure constraints persist as fundamental features of global mobility, what long-term results can one expect In high-income regions, 1 North America, our picture suggests that the share of traffic 2 Supplied by buses and automobiles will decline as high-speed transport rises sharply. In developing countries, we 3 the strongest increase to be in the shares first for buses and later for automobiles. Globally, these 4 in bus and automobile transport are partially offsetting. In all regions, the share of low-speed rail transport will probably continue its strongly 5 decline.
We expect that throughout the period 1990-2050, the average North American will continue to devote most of his or her 1.1-hour travel-time 6 to automobile travel. The very large demand for air travel (or high-speed rail travel) that will be manifest in 2050 7 to only 12 minutes per person a day; a little time goes a long way in the air. In several developing regions, most travel 8 in 2050 will still be devoted to nonmotorized modes. Buses will persist whatever it is the primary form of motorized transportation in developing countries for decades. 9 important air travel becomes, buses, automobiles and even low-speed trains will surely go on serving vital functions. 10 of the super-rich already commute and shop in aircraft, but average people will continue to spend most of their travel time on the ground.

A. Despite the fact
B. Whatever it is
C. No matter how
D. Whether or not