A writer weaves a "decade by decade" story, complete with diagrams, of how not to manage a public transit system.
At CityLab, Jonathan English uses both text and diagram to trace "[t]hree broad lines of history" that explain how the New York City subway went from an impressive feat of infrastructure building—hundreds of miles were built between 1904 and 1920—to a beleaguered system that opened no more than a few extensions over the last 80 years.
“The first is the postwar lure of the suburbs and the automobile—the embodiment of modernity in its day. The second is the interminable battles of control between the city and the private transit companies, and between the city and the state government. The third is the treadmill created by rising costs and the buildup of deferred maintenance—an ever-expanding maintenance backlog that eventually consumed any funds made available for expansion.”
Last summer, after a derailment, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared the subway to be in a state of emergency, though he was subsequently slow to release a plan. Since then much has been written about the enormous task of restoring the system to a good working order, and the absolute importance of doing so.
FULL STORY: Why New York City Stopped Building Subways
Regardless of Cost, New York Must Rehabilitate its Crown Jewel: the Subway
Depending on what's included, the cost to rebuild the ailing 665-mile system could be $111 billion, but the city's future depends on it. A feature-length New York Times Magazine piece looks at its history and suggests ways to finance rebuilding.
A Strong Voice of Support for Value Capture to Fund Subway Repair
In an opinion for City & State, Kathryn Wylde, president of the nonprofit Partnership for New York City, makes the case that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority should be allowed to tax properties where value is enhanced by subway proximity.
Gov. Cuomo Promised a Plan to Fix the New York Subway; Critics Say it's MIA
Earlier this summer, the governor of New York promised an ambitious plan to fix the MTA subway system. Now, at the end of the promised timeline for that plan, critics are saying that the city is left with more of the same.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead
A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.
Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community
The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.
Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.
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Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland