General Transit Theory

[Haretip]

Invevitably, a lot of the discussion about particular transportation projects turns into arguments and bloviation about theory and what-ifs. As moderator of the Fort Worth Forum's Transportation Forum (http://www.fortwortharchitecture.com/forum/index.php?showforum=35), I found it nice to have a thread for the off-topic conversation.

Here is a link to a new film that discusses induced traffic, urban development and balancing highway construction with investment in transit. Please review and discuss.

Going Places (http://www.archive.org/details/GoingPlaces)

But wait, it's actually from 1948! The audio is a little bumpy at the start and end of the film, but you get the jist of what is being said. Such a progressive film for 61 years ago. And in living color!

[dfwcre8tive]

Interesting video. Unfortunate that Dallas didn't understand it at the time and is now only starting to figure it out.

[tamtagon]

I really liked, "We've been trying to move traffic when the basic intent is to move people."

[electricron]

There was also just a little about four tracks vs double tracks rail systems.
If you waited until the credits at the end, you discover General Electric produced it.

Propaganda from General Electric would have been easily recognized by most Americans in 1948. It turns out GE may have been more correct than GM about traffic. But in 1948 few American cities had experienced major traffic jams on every highway like we do today.

[saxman66]

http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/stories/1156

Reconnecting America just hosted a webinar about transit and smart growth. It was mainly focused why conservatives should support public transportation. I watched about half the webinar so far and gives some great points from a conservative point of view. It includes an interview with someone from Reason.com. I didn't agree with everything he said about transit, but does make some good points about development around stations.

Also you should all order the book, Moving Minds: Conservatives and Public Transportation (http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/reports/520) . I haven't yet but plan on doing so.