Volts How is public transit doing in the US?
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May 7, 2025 Jarrett Walker, a seasoned transit consultant and author of 'Human Transit', shares his insights on the state of public transit in the U.S. He discusses the pandemic's impact on ridership and funding challenges, and why cities should look to Canada for successful transit models. The conversation dives into the myths surrounding buses and highlights the need for a balance between ridership and coverage in planning. Jarrett emphasizes the importance of understanding community needs and the role of safety perceptions and human interactions in enhancing transit systems.
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Look to Canada, Not Europe
- U.S. transit advocates should stop envying Europe and instead look to Canadian cities as realistic models.
- Canada offers more abundant transit service tailored to similar urban forms without glamorizing it unnecessarily.
Tech Transit Avoids Crucial Social Element
- Tech elite promote transit alternatives that avoid strangers, undermining the core appeal of transit.
- True transit success depends on embracing the presence of diverse strangers as essential.
Set Clear Ridership vs Coverage Goals
- Transit agencies must explicitly choose between ridership and coverage goals.
- Boards should decisively set priorities to design networks that balance service breadth with frequency and usefulness.
