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.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered U.S. transit ridership patterns, pushing agencies to adapt to new commuting behaviors and fiscal challenges.
U.S. public transit systems lag behind their Canadian and European counterparts in funding and resources, highlighting chronic investment issues.
Effective transit networks prioritize frequency and high-demand corridors over extensive coverage, balancing ridership goals with operational efficiency.
Deep dives
Impact of COVID on U.S. Transit Systems
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected U.S. public transit systems, primarily designed to support daily commutes to bustling downtown areas that suddenly became deserted. Many transit agencies have struggled to regain their pre-pandemic ridership levels, with some still facing significantly reduced passenger numbers. Federal aid, which played a crucial role in helping these systems weather the initial crisis, is now coming to an end, leading many agencies towards a fiscal cliff where funding could drastically decline. Despite some transit services witnessing a rise in ridership on weekends or for non-commuting functions, the challenge remains in addressing the long-term impacts of commuting patterns that have permanently changed.
Pre-COVID Challenges in U.S. Transit
Prior to the pandemic, U.S. transit systems were characterized as under-resourced compared to those in Europe and Asia, with many transit agencies failing to keep pace with their communities' growth. For example, Des Moines experienced a 20% growth in population since 2009, while public transit resources increased by only 1%, exposing the chronic neglect of public transit funding. The reliance on commuting, which became less appealing as vehicle ownership became more accessible and affordable, contributed to a gradual decline in ridership across the nation. Overall, the lack of robust public transit options hampered cities’ ability to encourage public transportation use.
The Importance of Service Design in Transit
Effective transit systems prioritize frequency over excessive coverage, as higher frequency can significantly reduce wait times and enhance the user experience, ultimately increasing ridership. In many cases, transit agencies face the dilemma of whether to extend services to low-demand areas or concentrate on high-demand corridors, where investment yields better returns in ridership. The argument exists that while coverage ensures access, prioritizing ridership targets leads to operational efficiency and better resource allocation. A successful transit network thus requires a strategic balance between where services are offered and how frequently they run.
Political Dynamics in Transit Agencies
The political context surrounding transit agencies in the U.S. often complicates effective decision-making, as many board members may prioritize community interests that do not align with optimizing transit services. Elected officials frequently face pressure to secure service for their constituents, leading to conflicts between ridership goals and providing widespread access. In contrast, successful transit agencies have strong political backing and clear goals, which enables them to empower their staff to enhance transit services effectively. The challenge remains for transit leaders to engage the public and educate them about the true value and necessity of investing in transit infrastructure.
Addressing Fare Structures and Funding Models
Transit systems grapple with fare structures and how to balance revenue generation with accessibility, as some argue for fare-free systems while others highlight the financial realities of operating costs. Elimination of fares can lead to a reduction in service levels, especially as many systems rely on fare revenue to maintain operations. Moreover, achieving a stable funding model is crucial for transit agencies to thrive, where taxes should ideally fund public transit at a consistent level. The success of public transit not only hinges on sufficient government funding but also on fostering an engaged voter base that supports continued investments in transit infrastructure.
In this episode, I’m joined by consultant Jarrett Walker to take the pulse of US transit in a world of empty downtown office towers, surging weekend ridership, and the tech elite’s dream of transit without strangers. We unpack the myths that plague buses, reveal why Canada’s transit abundance should be our model, and map the policy battles that will determine whether US transit systems shrink or soar.
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