Blackout Lesson: Keep The Gas Tank Full

The recent blackout highlights the vulnerability of dense cities, writes Wendell Cox.

1 minute read

August 21, 2003, 7:00 AM PDT

"The blackout demonstrated the vulnerability of downtown areas that rely on electric urban rail. But it goes further. Toronto's extensive GO Transit commuter rail system, though dieselized, had to suspend service because of computer failures. Not so with the automobile, however, which demonstrated its value as a supremely resilient and flexible mode of transport from Cleveland, Detroit and Ottawa to the suburbs of Toronto and New York."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Blackout Lesson: Keep the Gas Tank Full

Wednesday, August 20, 2003 in Planetizen

Transportation United States

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.