America's Largest Transit-Free City Reconsiders

"Arlington, population 365,000, holds the distinction of being the largest city in the U.S. without public transportation, according to the American Public Transportation Association in Washington. That could begin changing soon. The Arlington City Council is mulling proposals to go into a partnership with neighboring Fort Worth for buses to ferry commuters between the two cities during rush hour. If the cities can work out the details, Arlington officials hope to begin a six-month trial of the service sometime next year."

"Arlington residents have voted down a public bus system three times in the last 27 years, worried about big buses lumbering down their quiet suburban streets, as well as the cost of a service that many believe would benefit only a few. But advocates say the city's growing population, coupled with the pain of higher gasoline prices, make buses an easier sell now."

"Today, more than half of Arlington workers commute to jobs outside the city, according to city data. When the United Way polled community leaders in 2005 asking them to name the city's greatest needs, public transportation topped the list."