How car-loving American cities fell so far behind their global peers on public transit
With most major European cities well-served by trains and buses, bringing US transit up to par would cost $4.6tn
TL;DR
- Bringing major US cities' public transit up to world-class standards would cost an estimated $4.6 trillion over the next 20 years.
- US cities lag significantly behind global peers in transit vehicles per capita, with many lacking any dedicated transit infrastructure.
- Decades of prioritizing highways and suburban development have led to a car-dependent society with limited public transit options.
- The lack of quality public transit contributes to environmental pollution, health problems, and inconvenience for residents.
- While the investment needed is substantial, it is less than the projected spending on highways over the same period.
- Recent challenges, including reduced transit revenues post-pandemic and political opposition, have further hampered progress.
- Improved public transit could offer significant economic benefits, including better access to jobs and affordable housing.