Is Public Transit A Fantasy?

A recent opinion piece questions the wisdom of regional plans that promote public transit over accommodating more cars.

1 minute read

July 27, 2006, 5:00 AM PDT

"According to the politicians and the urban planners, public transit is the answer to all our woes. Everyone knows cars are responsible for everything from gridlock to pollution and obesity. Pry people from their cars, and the world will be a better place.

[Yet] transit advocates ignore the overwhelming evidence from around the world: People still prefer their cars.

...The idea that people will use public transit to get to work ignores the fact that most people don't want to live near their work. And because people are so mobile, they no longer have to. On top of that, people use their cars for much more than commuting. According to one study, 20 per cent of all trips by auto are for work, 20 per cent for shopping, and 60 per cent for things that are 'social.' The idea that public transit can replace the car in people's busy lives is a fantasy."

FULL STORY: The war against the car will never succeed

Saturday, July 22, 2006 in The Globe and Mail

Transportation Ontario

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