In short, transit wasn't really there. When transportation network services went down, people felt stranded. Transit friendliness can go a long way.
In a Medium piece, the folks behind the Transit app discuss why the transportation conversation at South by Southwest focused only on rideshare. "SXSWers were bereft of their beloved ridesharing services, forced to wait for cabs in the rain with 'no alternatives'. We racked our brains for a possible solution. We think we found it: Fixed-route ridesharing."
In other words, transit. But in central Austin, transit is sparse and hard to use compared with other central cities. Changing that could shift the narrative at future festivals. "Our data suggests that there's an exponential relationship between 'transit friendliness' and the number of trips that actually get taken. Basically what that means is that by making a destination a bit more transit friendly you end up getting a lot more people taking transit."
The tradeoff between transportation network companies and transit should (in theory at least) depend on the type of urban landscape you're traversing. "Ridesharing is easy and convenient. It's a fantastic complement to public transit. But it shouldn't be the default mobility choice in the downtown core of a big American city."
FULL STORY: The media focused on the wrong thing during SXSW
Austin Hopes to Buck Tradition with Anti-Gentrification Measures in its New Transit Plan
Project Connect promises to prioritize equity and inclusion with $300 million dedicated to anti-displacement efforts.
Uber App Feature Integrates Transit and Ridesharing
Uber’s "Make My Train" app feature lets riders better plan journeys across modes.
Via Rideshare Service Expands in Chicago
The company hopes that a broader service area and discounted rides will help people better access transit services.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)