A social network analysis, touted as the largest ever, reveals the importance of mobility for social connections.
"How do people meet, and maintain ties, in the big city?"
According to new research shared by Henry Grabar, in New York City, the main factor determining the answer to that question is transit time—which depends on transit lines.
"Call it the 'Take the ‘A’ Train' theory of socializing, after the Billy Strayhorn tune about the subway line that links Harlem and Bed-Stuy," writes Grabar.
The findings are from a working paper posted this month with the National Bureau of Economic Research, and led by Michael Bailey. The researchers claim they "have assembled the most comprehensive portrait to date of a city’s social network," reports Grabar.
Here, Grabar summarizes the findings of the study: "A 10 percent greater distance between two ZIP codes was associated with a decline in social connectedness of 8.7 percent. A 10 percent greater increase in cab cost was associated with a 10.6 decline in social connectedness. And a 10 percent greater public transit time is associated with 14.2 percent lower social connectedness."
FULL STORY: What Determines Your Social Network? In New York, Your Subway Line.
Phoenix Light Rail Extension Opens
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Texas State Bills to Defund Dallas Transit Die
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
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Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
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As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
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With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)