I'm still a bit skeptical about the possibility of implementing the many and impressive improvements to public transportation that have been possible in various cities in Europe. I'm also semi-annoyed by the tone Register takes in Chapter 6. It's a bit sensationalist and rather than getting people excited, could very well just turn them off to the whole idea of getting rid of the car entirely. However, as is the case with all the readings we have done, there are many gems strewn throughout that point to some intriguing possibilities for a shift in transportation consciousness.
Here are ten of those gems that I think we could use here in Ithaca--especially because there is a progressive consciousness here- even if it is only in Utne Reader and not in reality.
One: Good Public Transportation as a Citizen's Right
We need to out the notion of public transportation into the public consciousness not as a new and funky progressive idea, but something that is due them by the democracy to which they subscribe by paying taxes, by voting, or neither- simply by birth. It is our right to have access to the places where we need and want to be. We should not be forced into a damaging relationship with a car in order to get groceries. This brings up the equity issue in terms of who really has a say within our political system. Public Transportation would make it possible for people, quite simply put, even to make it to the polling places on election days; beyond that it would make it possible for people to spend more time involved in their environment, noticing what's happening right next door or two blocks down, rather than speeding along in a car, all alone, bombarded by billboards and screeching advertisements on the radio from the US Army and WalMart.
Two: Using Public Voice
This is about Democracy too. We do have a public and political voice, and we should use it. If we don't, we won't even notice when it's taken away. So we better get our acts together and start speaking out and taking part in the decisions that are made on our behalf (or not?) every day. I don't know the political system well enough, but there must be a way to create a public referendum or something like they can and do in Switzerland- there, any citizen can start a referendum, and if it's supported by enough people, well, it becomes law.
And we better be prepared to deal with what happens, because it might not be exactly what we hoped for; when everyone has a voice, the outcome will change because it won't be based on what Richard Register thinks, but what the people think.
Three: Encourage Investment
It seems important to encourage both public and private investment in public transportation. Our tax dollars should pay for a system that supports all of us, not some of us. I think if the there really is a change in consciousness, then there will be a real demand for private investment in public transportation as well. A caution here, though. Do we want to simply market such things just like a new car is marketed, or should it be different? I suppose if there really is a shift in consciousness, then it will be.
Four: Proximity Policies
I really like these ideas from Register. Make it possible and reasonable to own a corner grocery store. I wish I didn't have to go all the way out to Wegman's to buy some groceries. Sure, I can go to Wilson Farms, but it's expensive because I think it's seen as a luxury to walk to the grocery store, something that is fun to do when you've got the afternoon off or something. I think it's backwards.
Of course, the questions of whether or not a landlord should refuse a renter based on where he or she works- well that is a tricky one and opens the door to all sorts of demons. Sounds like discrimination, which is not necessarily bad, but seriously walks the line.
Five: Car Sharing and Traffic Calming
I like these! In the short term, while not everyone is aware of or excited about a serious change in transportation, car sharing is something that would encourage people who are considering getting rid of their car to do so. From my perspective, it would be great if I could borrow a car for two hours to run some errands or go hiking out of town. As it stands, I'd have to walk really far, or take T-CAT----- Traffic calming would hint to people about how maybe their driving SUVs in downtown isn't too appreciated, and it would make it safer for people to walk places- maybe kids would have more freedom to roam about and see the place they live if their parents weren't afraid they'd get hit by a car.
Six: Equity, Justice, Reality
The truth is that the people who need public transit most aren't the people who are arguing for it now- we are doing this for the people who are less mobile than we. I think the idea of a golf cart for old people is scary. It takes stigma to a whole new level. In actuality, one should be able to access and comfortably use public transit. I've seen it happen in Europe that very very old people, very very young people, people with massive strollers, all can take the bus because it's built in such a way that makes it possible for them to be safe and comfortable.
Seven: Protection and Dedication
Once, and if, there is a transit system, it should have specific lanes and places where it runs. This way a bus isn't stuck in the traffic jam, the traffic is. The people who take the bus then get where they need to go, they don't sit and wait for 1/2 an hour.
Eight: Aesthetics
It seems like there is such a focus often on practicality and usefulness--function rather than form, that the public transit is pretty ugly. That doesn't make me want to take it, and it further stigmatizes those who do. It should be a clean, well-lit, comfortable, and beautiful experience to travel by public transit.
Nine: Real-Time Announcing
I would never have imagined the difference it makes to be able to glance up at a board and see how many more minutes I need to wait until the tram arrives. It becomes a manageable experience to wait for the 11 train for 5 minutes when you know that's how long you have-- maybe you quickly buy the snack you really need-- when before, you just stood there wondering should you get it or just wait-----
Ten: Connections
Transportation within a city should be intelligently and carefully connected to the inner- and inter- state transit. Then it sort of puts your travel into context; it makes sense to travel that way within your city if you can move between cities in a similar way. Practically it makes sense too.
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1 comment:
Amen on point #2, sister, but have you noticed what happens when good ideas get put to vote in our system. It's sad. See my comments on Melanie's post if you care, but to sum it up... Big money/industry wins... nearly always. They fund large campaigns and convince the public.
Really smart post, if I may be so judgmental.
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