Episode 323: How U.S. Cities Lost the Plot on Mass Transit
Jan 5, 2024
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Author and cartographer Jake Berman discusses maps of historical transit systems in the US and Canada, highlighting the success stories and future of mass transit. They explore the politics and funding of transit systems, contrasting subway systems with commuter rail, and discuss plans for expanding the subway in New York City and improving the MTA. The podcast concludes with a discussion on Berman's book and the goals of FAQ NYC as a nonprofit newsroom.
The book explores the historical and political factors that shaped the growth or decline of mass transit systems in North America.
The author emphasizes the importance of transit-oriented development and the need for improved cooperation between cities, states, and suburban entities.
Deep dives
Record-breaking support from listeners and donors
In 2023, while nonprofits across the US experienced decreased charitable giving, FAQNYC and the city's listeners, readers, and donors showed exceptional support. With their contributions, FAQNYC raised more than ever before, welcoming 772 new members and 222 former members. This record-breaking support, totaling 4,722 community members, reflects the confidence and recognition of the valuable work of FAQNYC and the city.
Interview with Jake Berman and his book, Lost Subways of North America
In this episode, Alyssa Katz interviews Jake Berman, a fascinating person with multiple interests, including being a cartographer, writer, artist, and lawyer. Berman is the author of a remarkable new book titled Lost Subways of North America. The book showcases historical maps recreated through modern cartographic technology, tracing the history and presence of nearly 2,000 mass transit systems in the US and Canada. Berman discusses his inspiration for the book, the frustrations of LA traffic, and his journey to uncover the reasons behind the poor state of mass transit in the United States compared to the rest of the world.
Challenges and stories of transit systems across cities
Through his exploration of 23 cities in North America, Berman reveals the distinct challenges and insights surrounding each transit system. He discusses the political, economic, and historical factors that shaped the growth, consolidation, or decline of these systems. His book highlights the significance of transit-oriented development and the need for cities to prioritize not only building transit but also creating neighborhoods that thrive around transit stations. Berman offers hope for the future, suggesting the need for improved cooperation between city, state, and suburban entities, as well as housing reforms that promote more walkable and sustainable communities.
In his new book, “The Lost Subways of North America,” author and cartographer Jake Berman has compiled nearly two dozen historical portraits of cities from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. to show how the great and not-so-great mass transit systems of the U.S. and Canada came to be and what their history tells us about America’s future. In this episode of FAQ NYC Off Cycle, THE CITY Executive Editor Alyssa Katz interviews Berman about the art of mapmaking, the secrets to the success of the few cities where riding the subway or other mass transit is the norm instead of the exception, and the future of New York City’s subways.
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