Mass Transit? How, Why, and When?

Question

How, Why, and When is Mass Transit feasible? Could more efficient Mass Transit resolve automotive congestion and energy waste? Is decision to use Mass Transit proactive or reactive?

Answer 1

Mass Transit can resolve many transportation woes. But that isn't the issue with its implementation. The problem is Cost. Nobody has the funds to build out a rail network.

$1.5+/Billion for 23/miles of rail line in Washington DC Metro area.  http://www.dullesmetro.com/    You tell me how the rest of America is going to create a completely new transit system in most cities when just a rail extension cost a billion dollars?

Answer 2

When its ready to happen because people are waitng for it to happen.

Answer 3

Mass transit can be feasible.  It will help many get to places they need to...and can help reduce car usage.  However, in many cases it isn't that efficient.  Routes aren't so good and they don't get to places they need to.  Often times, there are delays and other issues.  I think there has to be pretty effective mass transit solution out there. And we should get city planners, transit experts, experts in transportation issues, and economists together to form a solution for this that would be both cost effective and work very well.  That's what needs to occur.  Problem is, it costs too much at times (so I think a solution like mine or better one needs to be used).  Oh as for the war in Iraq, yes we've spent a lot but we can't keep spending- we're spending too much and forced to borrow so we need a very cost-effective answer.

Answer 4

Could more efficient mass transit reduce auto congestion? Yes, but most mass transit is very inefficient. In order to be efficient, people need to be moving in huge numbers into a fairly small area. New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and a few other really large cities are like that. Most areas are not. For those areas transit becomes very INefficient -- i.e. cost per rider is hugely above what riders will pay.