Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

1 minute read

March 28, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A video from CNBC Marathon highlights the major problems facing U.S. public transit and outlines potential solutions. The video notes that many transit agencies face significant budget shortfalls that threaten to reinforce low ridership and even lower revenue.

The segment addresses private companies, fare evasion, subway fare revenue, and MTA building costs.

One suggestion is Autonomous Rapid Transit, a “cross between light rail and a city bus” being pioneered in China that brings some of the benefits of rapid transit. This system uses trackless, driverless trams with dedicated lanes to make transit faster and more reliable. Proponents of this system say it cuts costs by eliminating the need for tracks and is a cost-effective alternative to streetcars.

Saturday, March 23, 2024 in CNBC Marathon

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