Giving Thanks for Public Transit

When going around the Thanksgiving table today, giving thanks for our friends and family to hear, don't forget to mention the environmental, social, and economic benefits of public transit.

1 minute read

November 28, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Brett Curtiss / Flickr

An article by Lev Kushner makes the case for public transit by discussing some of the personal and social experiences of New York City transit while reminding readers to give thanks for the many social benefits of a ride on a bus, subways, and commuter trains. The threat perceived by Kushner comes from ride-hailing companies and other transportation disruptions.

While Kushner's appeal to the personal and social is appreciated here, we at Planetizen would also like to include a mention of the economic and environmental benefits of transit too. It's not just about the good times in the present, but also the good times in the future.

Infrastructure Transportation United States thanksgiving Public Transit Social Mobility Economic Mobility Mobility Environmental Benefits Carbon Emissions View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.