Developments in Public Transportation Systems

Developments in Public Transportation Systems

In a world where the shift away from car-dependency is becoming increasingly necessary, the focus is not just on expanding public transit systems and creating more walkable cities, but on investing in public transit while centering equity and accessibility. This is according to a growing chorus of experts in the transportation sector, who argue that such a transformation would require an additional $2 billion annual investment at the very least.

The need for this investment has never been more pressing, as the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a severe toll on public transit agencies across the U.S., with at least 237 workers losing their lives to the virus. At the same time, the rising costs of luxury units being built near existing train stations are pushing out families who have lived in those areas for generations in some cases.

One of the leading voices advocating for this shift is Tamika Butler, a transportation sector consultant focusing on equity and anti-racism. Butler, who identifies as a gender nonconforming, Black queer woman, notes a lack of diversity in positions of power in the transportation sector. She emphasizes that a shift in power is key to building a utopian world of transit, and that diversity for diversity's sake won't work; a genuine shift is needed.

Another challenge facing public transit is accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities. In New York City, for instance, the subway system fails to accommodate individuals with disabilities at 75% of its stations. Jordana Maisel, the director of research at the University at Buffalo's IDEA Center, highlights the insufficient accessibility for individuals with disabilities in public transit systems.

Addressing these accessibility concerns is crucial, especially for those who may also be living in poverty, lack smartphones, or lack formal banking accounts. These are issues that must be considered in city planning to ensure that public transit is accessible and affordable for all.

The future of public transit looks bright, however, with President Joe Biden in the White House. Biden's climate plan includes public transportation, and he has promised to provide every American city with at least 100,000 residents with "high-quality, zero-emissions public transportation options" through federal investments.

Moreover, coordinated policies that combine transit improvements with road pricing, parking management, and smart growth development tend to be more effective in shifting travel behaviors from private vehicles to sustainable modes. Implementing equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) through joint development partnerships enables transit agencies to leverage land near stations for affordable housing and transit funding, supporting inclusive communities while generating new revenue streams.

Challenges remain, however, including financial sustainability for specialized services like paratransit, gender inequities in both transit usage and employment, balancing service quality and cost-efficiency, and addressing spatial inequities where transit investments may favor affluent or car-dependent areas over transit-dependent populations.

Potential solutions include using detailed equity analyses and data-driven planning, enhancing affordability and safety of public transit, developing joint development programs, combining transit investments with transportation demand management (TDM) initiatives and pricing reforms, and implementing long-term action plans that protect mobility access for vulnerable users while controlling costs.

By taking these integrated approaches, public transit systems can be made both equitable and sustainable, facilitating climate goals without compromising access and affordability for all community members. However, it's crucial that equity is prioritized in public transit development to avoid gentrification, displacement, and resentment.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities like New York and Oakland have seen the popularity of open streets, and it's clear that the future of public transit will be defined by a commitment to equity and accessibility. As Ben Fried, a transportation expert, noted, "We can't just build fancy bus suites; we need to build networks that serve the people who need them most."

[1] "Equity and Accessibility in Public Transit: Challenges and Solutions." Urban Institute. (2020). [2] "Transportation and Equity: Bridging the Gap." National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2019). [3] "ADA Paratransit Action Plan." City of Chicago. (2020). [4] "Transportation and Climate Initiative." Transportation for America. (2016). [5] "Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: A Guide for Transit Agencies." Center for Transit-Oriented Development. (2018).

1. To build a utopian world of transit, a shift in power is necessary, as noted by transportation sector consultant Tamika Butler, who emphasizes the lack of diversity in positions of power.
2. Addressing accessibility concerns is crucial, particularly for individuals with disabilities, as highlighted by Jordana Maisel, the director of research at the University at Buffalo's IDEA Center, who points out the insufficient accessibility for these individuals in public transit systems.
3. President Joe Biden's climate plan includes public transportation, promising to provide every American city with at least 100,000 residents with "high-quality, zero-emissions public transportation options".
4. By implementing equitable transit-oriented development through joint development partnerships, transit agencies can leverage land near stations for affordable housing and transit funding, supporting inclusive communities while generating new revenue streams.

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