America's Growing Transit Love Affair

A trend piece by CNN examines Americans' increasing embrace of transit. Although the subject matter is familiar to Planetizen readers, the article also reveals insights into mainstream perceptions of the contemporary mobility discussion.

1 minute read

December 18, 2014, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"You could call it a budding romance with the possibility of a strong, long-lasting relationship. More Americans are riding public transportation," according to an article by Thom Patterson for CNN.

The article lists five examples of the trend toward transit, described by Patterson as "a reflection of a 'do-more-with-less economy' where jobs often pay less than they used to and are harder to hold onto."

The article reads like a round up of recent reports and data making the case for increasing transit use (though some of those reports have been questioned) as well as declining use of automobiles. Also included in the list are transportation projects like the many ongoing streetcar projects around the country and transportation centers like those recently opened in Anaheim and Denver.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in CNN

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking in downtown St. Louis, walking past shops.

Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment

The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.

November 1, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Construction in Dallas. An aerial shot of a wooden frame of an apartment building.

Dallas releases zoning code overhaul to officials

The drafted overhaul is over 400 pages long.

November 11 - Dallas Morning News

Canal street, where pedestrians are packed shoulder to shoulder.

NYC renovations for dangerous, ‘mercilessly crammed’ street delayed until 2027

Construction was supposed to begin this fall.

November 11 - Gothamist

A rendering of Midway Rising that shows people mingling in a green space between apartment buildings.

San Diego’s Midway Rising project gets greenlight from city council

The project looks to become the largest affordable housing development in California's history.

November 11 - KPBS

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.