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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US Transit Under-Resourced Long-Term
- U.S. transit has been dramatically under-resourced for decades, lacking funding growth matching population increases.
- Many agencies still operate networks designed 70 years ago, failing to keep pace with suburban expansion.
COVID Hurt Commutes, Boosted Other Trips
- The COVID pandemic crushed downtown commute ridership, which likely won't fully recover.
- Transit serves many non-commute trips and those markets have largely rebounded or grown, especially on weekends.
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.
