
Freakonomics Radio 372. Freakonomics Radio Live: “Would You Eat a Piece of Chocolate Shaped Like Dog Poop?”
Mar 28, 2019
Andy Byford, the dynamic President of the New York City Transit Authority, dives into the complex world of the subway system and its historical challenges. He discusses innovative solutions to improve service reliability and the urgent need for funding. The conversation also touches on the intriguing influence of Napoleon on music and politics, the psychology of disgust and its impact on political views, plus the importance of urban transit innovations amidst New York's growing population. It's a compelling blend of transit woes and psychological insights!
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Signal System Issues
- The NYC subway's signal system needs recalibration, causing unnecessary delays.
- A dedicated team is working to identify and correct these wrongly calibrated signals.
Funding the Subway
- Byford emphasizes the need for sustained, dedicated funding for the NYC subway system.
- He proposes a congestion charge to secure this funding and improve bus speeds.
Napoleon and Music
- Napoleon's Italian campaign introduced copyright laws to parts of Italy, but not others.
- This allowed researchers to study the impact of copyright on musical creativity.




