Transit is in a death spiral. Better service, bus lanes and other smart investments can save it

[marmar]

CA: Editorial: Transit is in a death spiral. Better service, bus lanes and other smart investments can save it
Public transit systems across the country are suffering, preparing to slash bus and rail service and possibly lay off workers because of plummeting revenue. And it's unclear when — or if — the systems will return to normal.

The Times Editorial Board
Los Angeles Times


Here's one more way that COVID-19 could leave a lasting mark: The pandemic has decimated public transit.

Without swift action to restore bus and rail service and a serious commitment to building transit-friendly communities, Los Angeles will suffer from ever-worsening traffic, air pollution, carbon emissions and inequality long after the coronavirus is contained.

L.A. is not alone. Public transit systems across the country are suffering. Boston, New York City and San Francisco, to name a few cities, are preparing to slash bus and rail service and possibly lay off workers because of plummeting revenue. And it's unclear when — or if — the systems will return to normal.

More people are working from home now, and they'll continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Many other once-regular transit riders are choosing to drive, perhaps to take advantage of the faster commutes or to avoid being in close quarters with strangers. The riders still taking the bus and train have had to deal with service cuts and sometimes crowded conditions. ............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/news/21202717/ca-editorial-transit-is-in-a-death-spiral-better-service-bus-lanes-and-other-smart-investments-can-save-it