Vox's popular video explainer production team explains the consequences of U.S. auto dependency, and how to make transit work in the world we live in.
A new video posted by Vox provides explanation and illustration of the great challenge facing public transit in a country that has spent a century prioritizing the automobile.
The key trope the video deals with is how U.S. transit systems were built to service regional commuters, from outside the city into downtowns. This downtown orientation doesn't serve the most common commute, according to the video: suburb to suburb.
The consequences of all of the country's suburban commutes are immense—measured in terms of economic and environmental impacts, but the video presents ideas about how to solve those problems by getting more people into transit. The question this video endeavors to answer: how can public transit be useful for more Americans? The lesson for Americans is obvious: it's possible to increase ridership by funding improved operations of buses, even in suburban communities.
The video also presents the ideas of transportation planning in context of the 2020 presidential election and state of politics in the United States.
FULL STORY: Why American public transit is so bad
Next Up for Bus System Redesign: Norfolk, Virginia
The Norfolk City Council will vote in February on a draft transit system redesign organized around the principle of a high frequency grid, similar to system redesigns in other cities in recent years.
Draft RideKC Bus System Redesign Announced
The RideKC bus system is being redesigned on a high frequency grid.
Bus System Redesign Coming to the Cleveland Region
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) revealed a draft system redesign this week.
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.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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