Recent train crashes in Ohio and ongoing issues with mass transit in America. Legal liability of Norfolk Southern for train derailments. Fascination with the New York City subway and its problems. Contrast between NYC transit system and the rest of the US. Challenges of the mass transit system including bureaucracy and lost paperwork. International perspectives on mass transit and a railfan's story.
The broken relationship between politics and public works hinders the efficient development of mass transit systems in the US.
Lost paperwork in Boston's transit system caused a slow order and emphasized organizational and communication challenges.
A flaw in the rail cars in Charlotte's transit system requires individual repairs and leads to ongoing time delays.
Deep dives
Building transit in America: The challenge of bureaucracy and local politics
The podcast episode discusses the challenges and issues surrounding the development and management of mass transit systems in the United States. One of the main problems highlighted is the broken relationship between politics and public works, where local politics and parochialism often hinder the efficient and effective building of transit systems. The system prioritizes individual interests and disputes rather than cooperation and common goals. This leads to constant bickering and a lack of cohesive vision for public transit. Additionally, the podcast explores the high costs and bureaucratic hurdles faced in building transit systems, such as the California high-speed rail project, which has faced major delays and increased costs. Overall, the episode suggests that the American mindset and political structure contribute to the challenges faced in developing and maintaining effective mass transit systems.
The case of Boston's slow order and lost paperwork
The podcast episode highlights a recent incident in Boston's transit system, where a slow order of 25 miles per hour or slower was implemented across the entire system. This was due to lost paperwork regarding a track inspection, which created uncertainty about the condition of the tracks and the need for caution. As a result, the transit authority advised commuters to budget an extra 20 minutes for each trip. This incident emphasizes the organizational and communication challenges that can arise in maintaining an efficient and reliable transit system.
Charlotte's slow order and repair challenges
The podcast episode discusses a slow order implemented in Charlotte, North Carolina's transit system following a derailment. The slow order is necessary due to a flaw in the rail cars, which requires repairs to be done one by one. This repair process may take years, leading to ongoing time delays and inconvenience for commuters. The incident highlights the complex and time-consuming nature of maintaining and repairing transit systems, and the impact such issues can have on service reliability and commuter experience.
The challenges of the California high-speed rail project
The podcast episode delves into the ongoing challenges faced by the California high-speed rail project. Originally conceived as a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco with an estimated cost of $20 billion, the project's costs have skyrocketed to potentially $128 billion. The report suggests that the middle section of the line, connecting Bakersfield and Merced, may not be completed without additional funding. The project has faced significant delays and uncertainties, highlighting the difficulties of executing large-scale public transit projects within budget and timeline constraints.
Railfan's encounter with the Russian Secret Service
The podcast episode recounts the story of a railfan in Russia who photographed Putin's armored train and subsequently received threatening messages, suspected to be from the Russian Secret Service. Fearing for his safety, the railfan fled the country and now resides in Sri Lanka. This incident reflects the dangers faced by individuals who photograph sensitive or high-security trains in certain countries, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and potential risks associated with rail enthusiasts in authoritarian regimes.
On February 3, a train crashed in East Palestine, Ohio releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Almost a month later, another train owned by the same company also derailed in Ohio. That’s not all. Trains in Charlotte are running slower than they should. NYC can’t fit trains into its new station. The list goes on and on.
What the hell is going on with mass transit in America?
If you’re a long time Cyber listener, you might already know some of the answers to this question. That’s thanks to returning champion, Motherboard senior writer Aaron Gordon.
