24 replies to this topic

[Southron]

I agree with the posters who've mentioned that Southerners associate mass transit with the poor, those who can't afford to own or operate a car.  This attitude is a relatively recent development, however.  

Reaction to the civil rights movement, including high-profile bus boycotts and whatnot, led directly to the current attitude toward public transit in the South.  Post-WWII businessmen used to get around town on the bus until the 1960s.  The bus system gave kids a great deal of freedom and allowed them to get around town without saddling their parents with the drudgery of being chauffeurs.  

Before WWII streetcars were very popular in the South and were used enthusiastically by people from all walks of life.  Many Southerners used to walk or ride bicycles to work every day.  

IMO the stigma associated with public transit is not permanent and will fade if we put together proper public transit systems that are convenient and reliable.  Ridership is surging all over the country, including the South, and it's only limited by things such as lack of capacity and reliability concerns, which can be fixed with proper funding.  Public transit simply hasn't been funded properly since the 1960s.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic about the prospects for public transportation, but I've seen the results here in Montgomery with my own eyes.  With more routes, increased frequency and additional hours, the Montgomery bus system has seen roughly a 600% increase in ridership over the past 8 years.  I think Southerners will warm to public transit if we fund it properly.  Fiscal conservatives should love it because it's cheaper than building and maintaining new highways.

[tombarnes]

If one takes the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area as an example, there was vociferous opposition only a few years ago to the idea of a light rail system.  Since then, the light -rail project is under construction and appears to enjoy the support of many in the area.  I agree that more fiscal conservatives might see the benefits of public transportation.  There must be a shift in the public mind at large in order to develop mass transit- not only in the South, but throughout the country.  The receny fluctuation in gas prices might serve as a pointed reminder that we cannot live by the automobile alone.  

A place like Fort Lauderdale would benefit enormously from the application of a truly widespreas and workable light rail system.  The current Tri-Rail is almost laughable in its location and its on-time performance.  A better system is clearly needed.  The saddest truth is that widespread distrust of mass transportation is not limited to the South.

[varider]

HAMPTON ROADS LIGHT RAIL

[nowyano]

mallguy, on Feb 16 2007, 06:39 AM, said:

People in the Northeast don't want to wait in sub-freezing weather for an overcrowded train any more than people in the South would, but if it's easier than driving, both will do it.

As someone who has had to deal with the sub-zero weather of Boston and the scorching hot heat of Alabama I would like to say that the freezing weather is easier to deal with.  As I was waiting a few weeks ago in ATL for a MARTA bus to pull up all I could think was, "next time I'm driving".

[krazeeboi]

Well it's not just about driving; it's also about parking. I've suffered through many a muggy day in DC, walking a couple of blocks back and forth to my destination and the nearest Metro station in a full suit, just to not have to deal with--and pay for--parking.