Logically we might assume that as cities grow larger, commutes get harder. It can certainly feel that way. But research points to structural factors that actually make commuting in big cities more efficient.

Traffic can be annoying, but it also suggests that a city is thriving. Eric Jaffe writes, "What is a little surprising is that even as cities get larger, life in them doesn't necessarily grind to a halt. Sure, it can sometimes feel like that's the case when you're stuck in rush-hour gridlock. But while traffic congestion may be a personal annoyance, it's also a broad indication of a healthy economy."
Despite their high populations, commuting in big cities is more efficient than one might think. "The reason bigger workforces don't translate into total stagnation is that metros have 'nimble and self-adjusting commuting patterns' that preserve their economic advantage, report [Shlomo Angel and Alejandro Blei] in a paper in the journal Cities. Those patterns have three key components: density, job and home relocation, and overall mobility."
Jaffe goes on to discuss each of these factors in detail. The implications for planning are mixed: "On one hand, the benefits of density and mobility suggest a need for compact development near transit lines; on the other hand, the benefits of freeway speed would seem to endorse a transportation status quo that centers on car travel."
FULL STORY: Why Commutes Aren't Twice as Long in Cities With Twice the Population

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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