So Why Public Transit?

Two transit advocates explain the need for high quality public transit in the United States.

1 minute read

February 15, 2005, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"For the 21st century, we think the suburban 'ideal' will by necessity--dealing with congestion and dwindling energy supplies--revert to strings of towns and cities connected by high quality transit, such as the Pacific Electric, interurban electric railway-based pattern pioneered in Southern California 1900-1920. This is something many of us 'urban chauvinists' would be happy with. In this fashion, 'suburbia' and its preponderance of single family housing can survive and even prosper after the world reaches 'peak oil,' i.e., that point between now (2005) and 2020 where exactly half of all oil ever to be used will have been pumped out of the earth. Indeed, most places have at least the basic outline needed since many suburbs have established 'downtowns' that usually developed when railroad commuting was invented."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, February 7, 2005 in Public Transit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 18, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Two people walking away from camera through pedestrian plaza in street in Richmond, Virginia with purple and white city bus moving in background.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA

The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

June 17, 2025 - WRIC

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16, 2025 - Governing

Low view of row of red, grey, and black Tesla electric cars.

Texas Safety Advocates Raise Alarm in Advance of Tesla Robotaxi Launch

The company plans to deploy self-driving taxis in Austin with no oversight from state or local transportation agencies.

June 23 - Streetsblog USA

San Francisco Muni bus on street, line 14 with MISSION - Ferry Plaza" on front marquee.

How to Fund SF’s Muni Without Cutting Service

Three solutions for bridging the San Francisco transit agency’s budget gap without reducing service for transit-dependent riders.

June 23 - San Francisco Chronicle

Blue Austin public transit bus with graphic reading "I ride to keep the city clean and earth happy."

Austin Tests Self-Driving Bus

Autonomous buses could improve bus yard operations for electric fleets, according to CapMetro.

June 23 - Smart Cities Dive