For Big Events, Transit Beats Cars

Twice in the last month, planning expert Bill Fulton has ridden public transit to and from large public events. In both cases, transit was far more effective than driving.

1 minute read

February 23, 2009, 10:00 AM PST

By Paul Shigley


The inauguration of President Obama attracted millions of people to the Washington Mall, and the Metro, although extremely crowded, moved those people in a way that neither buses nor automobiles could, writes Fulton. For the recent Sacramento stop of the Tour of California bicycle race, the light rail system made getting in and out of downtown easy despite the throngs of Lance fans.

So why is the latest L.A. football stadium proposed at the intersection of two jammed freeways in the suburbs? And why does L.A.'s subway system not have stops at places like the Hollywood Bowl, which has a legendary shortage of parking?

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