Transit Planning: For Automobiles or Pedestrians?

At recent city planning information meetings in the local community, the question of transit planning was presented.

"What involvement does the city have with the transit authority planning group?"

"None."

Silence, stutter, questioning statement, "I'm sorry, I'm stunned. I am very surprised to hear that the city would have no input into the design of city transit-ways and systems. I mean, understand, where to place stops, ensuring the public safety of the city's citizens, and such things."

Silence. Our city workers know this and have no answer. They are admirable in their dedication to doing good work against the wheels of a slow-moving-machine called municipal government - the tip of the iceberg.

At the end of the meeting a young lady steps up and introduces herself and offers an explanation for the placement of bus-stops on the other side of intersections:

"Transit stops are placed across the intersection so the bus stopping doesn't impede right-turning vehicular traffic."

"Oh, so we're complaining about the congestion, smog, lack of carpooling and transit ridership. Then we design the transit systems for the automobile rather than the pedestrian. Now we're wondering why things aren't working?"

Points made, both of us innocent bystanders, it was a fun conversation that highlighted some very valid points.

Plan Transit for its Purpose: The Pedestrian - Moving People Out of Cars