Big Featured Discussions | January 10, 2013 | 18 comments

How could America improve mass transit in large cities?

Today marks the 150th birthday of the London Underground, the city's primary form of mass transit. More than 3 million Brits use the Underground (also known as the Tube) to get around the city every day. That's almost one-third of the city's total population.

In America, many large cities lack the infrastructure for efficient public transportation. In Los Angeles, only about 1.6 million people use a form of mass transit on weekdays. The city has more than 15 million residents.

In New York City, things are different. In the metropolis of nearly 20 million people, about 7.5 million use the subway to get around on weekdays. Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston are also considered some of the best places for public transit.

But other major cities, including Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Miami, Birmingham, and Richmond, lack popular, effective public transportation. Relying on cars causes traffic problems and is much more expensive to residents than using public transit. Cars consume fossil fuels and release dangerous chemicals into the ozone layer. Improved public transit also makes it easier for people to find jobs, since they can seek out opportunities further away from their home.

London is an example of a city where public transit is valued and well-maintained. What can we learn from the success of the Tube?

What could America do to improve mass transit in large cities?

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18 comments // How could America improve mass transit in large cities?

JessMag
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