Why Has Our Transit System Not Improved Significantly?

The premise that transit systems have not progressed significantly is often overstated. Transit encompasses various forms of public transportation, including buses, trolleys, subways, and commercial aviation. Each mode has unique characteristics that, when understood, provide a clearer picture of their respective advantages and challenges.

Commercial Aviation: A Modern Marvel

Commercial aviation stands out as a remarkable form of transportation, offering unparalleled efficiency and safety. For long-distance travel, commercial flights are significantly cheaper than surface transportation methods, often by an order of magnitude. In terms of safety, the industry's track record is extraordinary. The last fatal accident involving a commercial aircraft occurred in 2013 with three fatalities. Prior to that, the last one was in 2009. This means that since 2009, there have been approximately 50,000,000 commercial flights with just four passenger fatalities.

Contrasting Rail Safety

By comparison, the rail system in the United States has a safety record that pales in comparison. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there are approximately 1,000 fatalities involving trains per year. About a quarter of these are suicides, while the remaining three-quarters primarily result from collisions between trains and motor vehicles. MetroNorth Railroad serving NYC reports a train-strikes-pedestrian fatality about once every two to three weeks. Since 2009, there have been roughly 13,000 railroad fatalities.

Financial Constraints and Investor Support

In the USA, mass transit systems struggle to maintain profitability. The shortfall in funding is often made up for by tax dollars. However, due to low ridership, the majority of the population does not utilize mass transit regularly. As a result, fewer voters support increased funding for such systems. This lack of financial support translates to ever-declining service and equipment maintenance in most US cities.

Without substantial financial injection, many transit systems face challenges in upgrading infrastructure and expanding services, further contributing to their stagnation.

Public Perception and Alternative Traffic Scenarios

One perspective is that the current state of public transportation is inadequate. However, it's worth considering what would happen if these systems disappeared. The automobile traffic alone would likely lead to severe congestion, insufficient parking availability, and significant increases in travel times and driver frustration.

Proponents of the current transit systems argue that these modes are better than no transit at all. Without the existence of buses, trolleys, and subways, the road system would have to accommodate a much larger number of vehicles, leading to gridlock and decreased quality of life for many commuters.

The debate over the performance and necessity of our transit systems continues, but understanding the unique roles of different transportation modes, their safety records, and the economic realities facing their management can provide a more nuanced perspective on their development and improvement.