No, technology and private industry is not ending the need for public transit, according to Jarrett Walker.
Jarrett Walker responds to the prophets of doom predicting the demise of public transit in a new era of transportation technology. According to Walker, the end of public transit is not nigh.
Walker's argument begins with a response to people complaining that transit systems don't adopt new technology fast enough, and that transit agencies are too resistant to change. In that case, Walker says you have to hear the "eternal language of marketing": "If you are trying to sell a new technology product, of courseyou imply that everyone who doesn’t use it is a dinosaur."
According to Walker, it's important to remember that technology is not a goal—it's a tool that should "serve the goals and aspirations of citizens." And public transit is not a business—it is "not monopolizing a profitable business and preventing others from entering. They are running an unprofitable service for reasons unrelated to profit: the functioning of a dense city, the liberty of its citizens, and connecting disadvantaged people to opportunity."
FULL STORY: Should Transit Agencies Panic?
Ride Hailing to Replace Former Bus Route
A small public transit company serving the East Bay will be the first in California to conduct a pilot project to use transportation network companies and taxis to service low density areas of Dublin in Alameda County.
Uber Creeping Into Transit Territory
One of the great, looming questions of transportation is whether transportation network companies will complement or compete with transit. A recent promotion moves toward the compete end of the spectrum.
New App Would Enable On-Demand Public Transit
As transportation network companies like Uber and Bridj make it easier for some to opt out of the public transit system, a new app would help transit agencies offer more user-centric services.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service