99% Invisible The Lost Subways of North America
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May 22, 2024 
Jake Berman, the author of "The Lost Subways of North America," dives into the fascinating yet overlooked history of urban transit in North America. He reveals how cities like Los Angeles once thrived with electric rail systems and what led to their downfall, from political dysfunction to racial dynamics. Berman discusses how community support is vital for public transit success, contrasts U.S. and Canadian approaches to urban planning, and highlights Vancouver’s innovative solutions like the SkyTrain as a beacon of hope for future transit revitalization.
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Four Pillars of Public Transit
- For public transit to be successful, it must be fast, frequent, reliable, and convenient.
- Many North American systems fail to meet all four criteria, each with unique shortcomings.
Red Car's Decline
- Los Angeles' Red Car, initially successful, declined due to neglect and the rise of cars.
- Its owner, Henry Huntington, prioritized real estate profits over transit quality, leading to public resentment.
NYC Subway's Bureaucratic Hurdles
- New York City's subway, while extensive, is plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Construction is slow and costly, exemplified by the century-long Second Avenue subway project.
