Transit divestment in America has led to a car-centric culture responsible for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions.
Disinvestment of transit in predominantly African American areas contributed to the decline of public transportation in those neighborhoods.
Cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New York have prioritized affordable and reliable transit options, understanding the social equity benefits offered by transit.
Deep dives
Importance of Transit Divestment as a Choice
Transit divestment in America over the past century has resulted from a deliberate choice rather than a predetermined destiny, as highlighted by the overwhelming evidence presented in Nicholas Duggan-Bloom's book, The Great American Transit Disaster. This divestment has led to a car-centric culture that is responsible for one-third of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Undoing this trend won't be easy, but the good news is that it is a choice we can change. By investing in transit, we can achieve multiple benefits such as reduced racism, lower emissions, improved and more affordable housing, safer transportation options, and better health outcomes.
The Impact of White Flight on Public Transportation
During the 1940s and 50s, as African Americans migrated to cities, white residents left their neighborhoods behind, resulting in the disinvestment of transit in predominantly African American areas. The private transit companies, bleeding the systems dry, neglected these neighborhoods that had the most transit infrastructure. As a result, transit quality declined, leading even African American residents to abandon transit if they could afford a car. The shift in ridership demographic and the lack of political will to invest in transit by white voters and city leaders exacerbated the decline of public transportation in these areas.
Lessons from Successful Transit Cities
Cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New York have been successful in maintaining and improving their transit systems through operating subsidies and dedicated funding sources, such as sales taxes or property taxes. They prioritize the importance of affordable and reliable transit options, focusing on frequent service and accessibility. These cities understand the social equity benefits offered by transit and have been unapologetic in their support, making sure transit remains an important component of their transportation infrastructure.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
To improve public transportation nationwide, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes zoning reforms to encourage transit-oriented development, the reduction of parking minimums, collaboration between transit agencies and institutions like hospitals and universities, subsidization of transit passes for low-income workers, and a focus on bus rapid transit. Funding for operations is essential to ensure frequent and reliable service. It is crucial to prioritize investments in public transportation and debunk the illusion that a car-centric culture is without sacrifice. The long-term effort and mindset to build a better transit system will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Long-term Impact of Upscaling and ADUs on Neighborhood Density
Upscaling and the passing of ADUs in California are positive steps towards increasing housing density. However, the speaker cautions that these changes will take time to yield significant results. Zoning regulations need to be changed, financing needs to be secured, and people need to move in. Additionally, the initial influx of new residents will likely bring cars, which could delay the development of dense neighborhoods. The speaker estimates that it may take 10 to 20 years before noticeable changes occur, although there are some exemptions where neighborhoods are already becoming denser.
The Challenges of Transitioning from Car-Oriented Culture to Transit
Transitioning from a car-oriented culture to transit faces several challenges. The convenience of driving, such as the ability to park right at one's destination, poses a tough competition for transit. Additionally, the high costs associated with owning and maintaining cars, including car payments and parking fees, are making more people house and car poor. The speaker suggests that cost, convenience, and the desire to avoid congestion and expensive living conditions may gradually lead people to consider riding transit. They highlight the importance of transit as a component of combating climate change, reducing emissions, and fostering empathy and shared experiences among communities.
Why the hell is America's public transportation so terrible?
That's today's big question, and my guest is Nicholas Dagen Bloom.
He's the author of the subtly titled new book, the Great American Transit Disaster. Nicholas is a professor of urban policy and planning at Hunter College. He's the author of a bunch of books including Public Housing That Worked, The Metropolitan Airport and How States Shaped Post-War America. He's also the co-editor of the prize-winning Public Housing Myths and Affordable Housing in New York.
This new book, the Great American Transit Disaster (out now) is a deep dive into how we got here, and the overwhelming evidence that transit divestment was a choice rather than destiny, with a lot of actors involved.
The willful divestment over the past 100 years to purposefully build out our car culture today drives a full third of our greenhouse gas emissions.
Undoing it won't be an easy or simple task.
But the good news is, there are multi solving opportunities everywhere for not only less racism and fewer emissions, but for more and better housing everywhere, for better and more plentiful, safer transportation options, and for healthier bodies and minds.
