Christof Spieler
High-quality transit allows a city to grow without slowing down. When prioritized, transit has the potential to stem the growth of vehicle congestion, provide environmentally efficient and responsible transportation, and reduce both personal mobility expenses and overall public infrastructure expenses. And transit that can be relied on makes it possible to build walkable urban places—the kinds of places that city residents increasingly demand.
Accomplishing all of this requires that cities set priorities and make investments, both in transit service itself and in the streets on which transit operates. Much of the transit street design challenge lies in aligning the priorities and demands of city departments with those of transit operators, and in demonstrating the value of investments and dedicated street space to city residents and leaders. Balancing multiple modes in a limited right-of-way calls for a considered approach, with short-term successes building to long-term gains.