Why Public Transportation Sucks in the US

Summary

This video explores the history and decline of public transportation in the United States, comparing it to the more robust systems in places like Scotland. It traces the rise of streetcars, their eventual replacement by buses due to economic pressures, and the cultural shift towards car dependence in America. The video highlights the importance of public transportation for economic mobility, particularly for the poor, and how cities like Portland and DC are revitalizing public transit systems to boost economic development. It underscores the environmental, social, and economic benefits of well-planned public transportation networks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Public transportation in the U.S. is generally inadequate, leading to a heavy reliance on cars in many areas.
• 🚆 Scotland's public transportation system is much more accessible compared to Indiana's, with better train and bus options.
• 🚗 The decline of U.S. public transportation began with the rise of the automobile and worsened during the Great Depression.
• 🛠️ During World War II, the U.S. had low unemployment, and streetcars thrived again due to restrictions on cars, but they were ultimately replaced by buses.
• 🚍 Buses became more economical than streetcars in the 1920s, largely because of lower infrastructure costs and backing from automobile companies like General Motors.
• 🏙️ American cities were built around cars, making it difficult for public transportation to thrive in newer cities that were designed for car usage.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. is historically a country centered around the idea of personal freedom, which has influenced its strong car culture and policies that favor car ownership.
• 🚉 Older cities like New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. have good public transportation because they were built before cars became ubiquitous.
• 🛣️ Strict zoning laws in the U.S. make cities more spread out, which increases the need for cars to travel long distances, unlike European cities where businesses and housing are mixed together.
• 💼 Public transportation is crucial for escaping poverty, as it provides access to job opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to reach for low-income individuals.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the US public transportation system?

The main issue with the US public transportation system is that vast areas of the country lack reliable options, and people are often forced to rely on cars due to limited alternatives.

How does the public transportation system in Scotland compare to Indiana?

Scotland's public transportation system is far more efficient, with regular trains and buses that serve small towns, whereas in Indiana, many places have no option but to drive.

What was the United States' public transportation system like in the past?

At its peak, the United States had an extensive public transportation system, with over 11,000 miles of streetcar lines that reached both big cities and small towns.

What contributed to the decline of the US public transportation system?

The rise of the automobile, economic factors like the Great Depression, and the advancement of bus technology, which was cheaper and more flexible, contributed to the decline of the US public transportation system.

How did General Motors impact the decline of streetcars?

General Motors bought many streetcar companies and replaced them with bus systems, removing miles of streetcar tracks and pushing buses as the preferred mode of transportation.

What political factors influenced car usage in the US?

In the US, cars became strongly associated with personal freedom, and political ideologies, particularly in the Republican party, supported car ownership through subsidies and policies that promoted automobile use.

How do zoning laws affect public transportation in the US?

Strict zoning laws in the US separate housing and business areas, creating longer distances between destinations, which makes car ownership necessary, unlike in Europe where zoning laws encourage mixed-use spaces.

What role does access to transportation play in poverty alleviation?

Access to transportation is critical for escaping poverty. People who have reliable public transportation options are far more likely to access better job opportunities, leading to higher economic mobility.

How have millennials changed car ownership trends in the US?

Millennials are increasingly shunning car ownership, with car ownership rates among young people at historic lows. Many are relying more on public transportation, contributing to the resurgence of streetcars and other transit systems.

Why are streetcars becoming popular again in some US cities?

Streetcars are becoming popular again because they drive economic development. Cities like Portland have seen significant economic growth due to the presence of streetcar systems, which attract residents, developers, and businesses.