"Canada looks a lot like much of the US, in terms of economic types, city sizes and ages, development patterns," Jarret Walker says. So why can't Americans keep pace with Canadian public transit?
Transit ridership is falling. The growth of ride share, low fuel costs and increased car ownership are all likely part of the reason, but it's possible to grow transit in this climate. "But notice the big picture: In a year when urban transit ridership fell overall in the US, it rose in Canada," Jarret Walker writes.
Canada is doing some things notably differently than the United States is, Walker writers: "Canadian cities just have more service per capita than the most comparable US cities. This results in transit networks that remain more broadly useful in the face of competition from other modes." Vancouver, where transit ridership has grown more than any other city in either country can be a particularly instructive example with its concentration of development around transit stations and prevalence of higher gas prices. "Notably, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Vancouver due to provincial legislation," Walker adds.
To the United States, Canada is the "least foreign country" Walker argues. Americans should be looking to make their cities more like their Canadian counterparts.
FULL STORY: Why Does Ridership Rise or Fall? Lessons from Canada
More Bus Service Translates to More Bus Riders
A new study finds that bus service determines bus ridership.
Study: Uber and Lyft Have Been Catastrophic for Public Transit Ridership
The most damning evidence yet of how ride hailing is making urban transportation less efficient, not more.
Minnesota Lawmakers Reach Ride Share Compromise
A law awaiting the governor’s signature establishes wage rates for drivers. Ride share companies say if the law passes, they plan to continue service in the state.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience
Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.
When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action
As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.
Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts
Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service