#12 - mass transit
The past, present, and future of mass transit, or public transit, is a topic that has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the years. On one hand, there are those who see mass transit as a crucial component of a sustainable, livable urban environment, and on the other, there are those who view it as a costly and inefficient mode of transportation. In this essay, I will take a deep dive into the history of mass transit, its current state, and the various optimistic and pessimistic forecasts for its future. I will also explore the opportunities and drawbacks of mass transit and highlight notable champions and critics of the industry.
The history of mass transit dates back to the early 19th century with the advent of the steam-powered train. Cities across the United States and Europe began to see the benefits of mass transit as a way to move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently. This led to the development of streetcars, trolleys, and eventually subways and buses. These modes of transportation played a vital role in the growth and development of cities, enabling people to live farther away from their workplaces while still being able to commute easily.
In the mid-20th century, however, mass transit began to decline as more and more people purchased cars and the government invested in highways and suburbanization. This trend continued for several decades, with ridership on public transit systems dropping and many cities dismantling their streetcar and trolley networks.
But in recent years, mass transit has seen a resurgence. Cities around the world are facing increasing population growth, traffic congestion, and air pollution, and many are turning to mass transit as a solution. This has led to the expansion of existing systems and the creation of new ones, such as light rail and bus rapid transit. In addition, many cities are investing in new technologies such as electric buses and autonomous vehicles to make mass transit more efficient and sustainable.
The current state of mass transit is mixed. On one hand, many cities have seen ridership on their public transit systems increase in recent years. For example, the New York City subway system, which is one of the oldest and largest in the world, saw a record number of riders in 2019, with over 1.7 billion trips taken. Other cities, such as London and Paris, have also seen ridership on their public transit systems increase.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mass transit, with ridership plummeting as people stayed home to avoid infection. Many public transit systems have had to reduce service and lay off workers, and it is still uncertain when ridership will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Looking to the future, there are both optimistic and pessimistic forecasts for mass transit. On the optimistic side, some experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards sustainable transportation, with more people choosing to take public transit, walk, or bike instead of drive. They also argue that mass transit will continue to play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, and that new technologies such as electric buses and autonomous vehicles will make it more efficient and convenient.
However, there are also pessimistic forecasts for the future of mass transit. Some experts argue that mass transit is not as efficient as other forms of transportation, such as cars, and that it will never be able to compete with the convenience and flexibility of personal vehicles. They also argue that government funding for mass transit is often insufficient, and that many public transit systems are in dire need of repairs and upgrades.
There are also a number of opportunities and drawbacks to mass transit. On the opportunity side, mass transit can play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, and it can also help to improve access to jobs, education, and other opportunities for people who do not have access to a car. Additionally, mass transit can help to promote more sustainable and livable urban environments, as it encourages denser development and reduces the need for sprawling suburbs.
However, there are also drawbacks to mass transit. One major drawback is the cost. Building and maintaining public transit systems can be very expensive, and many cities struggle to find the funding to do so. Additionally, mass transit can be less convenient than other forms of transportation, as it may not always be available when and where people need it, and it can be difficult for people with mobility issues to access.
There are also notable champions and critics of mass transit. Champions of mass transit include organizations such as the American Public Transportation Association, which advocates for increased funding and support for public transit systems, and the Sierra Club, which argues that mass transit is essential for reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Critics of mass transit include organizations such as the Reason Foundation, which argues that mass transit is inefficient and that government funding would be better spent on other forms of transportation, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which argues that mass transit is a waste of taxpayer money.
In conclusion, the past, present, and future of mass transit is a complex and multifaceted topic. While mass transit has played a crucial role in the growth and development of cities in the past, it has also faced significant challenges in recent years, including declining ridership and a lack of funding. However, as cities around the world face increasing population growth, traffic congestion, and air pollution, many are turning to mass transit as a solution. The future of mass transit is uncertain, with both optimistic and pessimistic forecasts, but it is clear that it will continue to play an important role in shaping the urban environment for years to come.
Sources:
"Ridership Report" American Public Transportation Association (https://www.apta.com/research-data-technology/research-data-statistics/ridership-report/)
"The State of Transportation" Sierra Club (https://www.sierraclub.org/transportation)
"Transit and Rail" Reason Foundation (https://reason.org/policy-area/transit-and-rail/)
"Transportation and Infrastructure" Competitive Enterprise Institute (https://cei.org/issues/transportation-and-infrastructure)