Indications of a surprising gain for mass transit. (Phil.)

[phantom power]

(stole this from Atrios)

For the first time in nearly half a century, Center City vehicle traffic dropped while mass-transit ridership was up, according to new data from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

After decades of increasing dependence on the automobile, the question is whether this a blip or the beginning of a transforming trend.

The numbers were gathered in 2005, when gas prices rose sharply after Hurricane Katrina. Experts say that may have been a big factor.



http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/16891971.htm

[Old and In the Way]

1. I know train and bus service from Maine to Boston is increasing.

It really is as fast and less expensive when you factor gas, and the cost and hassle of parking. I'd rather read a good book or do work, than getting stressed with the sensory overload, anyway.

[Patiod]

2. One can only hope

Hoping that this can become a big-city trend

What I think holds back mass transit is
1. the refusal of Americans to understand that there isn't a mass transit system in the WORLD that's self-supporting
2. the difficulty Midwesterners (outside Chicago & Minneapolis) have envisioning the congestion on the East & West Coasts
3. the refusal of peopel in rural areas to fund anything that might benefit those evil city slickers (central Pennsylvanians inevitably vote down anything that might benefit Phila & Pitts)

[MH1]

3. But SEPTA will have to raise fares ( a lot ) and cut service on some routes

because of continued budget shortfalls.

As one driver said recently, SEPTA really stands for "slowly eliminating public transit altogether."

Our Dem governor has what sounds like a reasonable long term plan but unfortunately it doesn't solve the revenue problem this year, and as of the last I've heard, nothing is expected to happen to prevent the fare hikes and service cuts.

:banghead:

[lostinacause]

4. I wonder if CO2 emissions are also playing a role in this trend. I hope it continues.