Exasperated Infrastructures

Exasperated Infrastructures explores the challenges and dynamics of transportation and urban planning. It critiques political and social resistance to mobility improvements, emphasizes the need for diverse leadership and equity in planning, and advocates for prioritizing pedestrian safety, community needs, and sustainable infrastructure over car dependency.

Transportation and Urban Planning Political and Social Dynamics of Infrastructure Leadership and Diversity in Urban Development Pedestrian Safety and Mobility Public Engagement and Policy in Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability in Urban Spaces Equity and Accessibility in Transportation

The hottest Substack posts of Exasperated Infrastructures

And their main takeaways

Midweek Takes #6

0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
  1. You are not in traffic, you are traffic.
  2. Subscribe to keep reading and get a 7-day free trial.
  3. Paid subscriptions offer full post access.

Midweek Takes #4

0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 21
  1. The Road to Heaven is Lined with Good Transit
  2. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was known as a 'Do-Nothing President'
  3. Consider subscribing for more content and a 7-day free trial

R@nd@1 0'T00l3 wrote the single dumbest article I've ever read.

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
  1. High-speed rail, like Amtrak, costs more to construct and maintain, but its unique benefits must be considered beyond just speed and cost alone.
  2. Building more highways doesn't necessarily solve traffic problems and may even worsen congestion due to phenomenon like Braess' Paradox.
  3. Public services like Amtrak are not 'losing' money, but are funded through tax dollars invested for public benefit.

The Smart {Enough} City: A conversation with Ben Green

0 implied HN points • 19 Aug 20
  1. City officials often turn to technology first to address urban problems.
  2. Ben Green advocates for a cautious approach to using technology.
  3. Technology alone cannot solve all societal challenges.
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I'm sorry, I don't speak MPO.

0 implied HN points • 14 Jul 20
  1. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are crucial for transportation planning in the United States.
  2. There are nineteen MPOs in North Carolina using the 3C's model for decision-making.
  3. MPOs are required by law for regions with over 50,000 people.

Greg Rogers on the Past, Present and Future of Transportation.

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 20
  1. Greg Rogers discusses the past, present, and future of transportation with a focus on government affairs and mobility innovation.
  2. Greg's diverse background in transportation policy and experience driving for Uber and Lyft adds depth to his insights.
  3. Consider subscribing to Exasperated Infrastructures for more in-depth content and a 7-day free trial.

Spilling the ISTEA

0 implied HN points • 28 May 20
  1. The ISTEA law in 1991 changed how the US builds transportation infrastructure.
  2. Metropolitan Planning Organizations play a key role in long-range transportation development.
  3. ISTEA acronym, pronounced 'ice tea', revolutionized transportation mechanisms.

Life in the FAST lane.

0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 20
  1. The post discusses the current highway authorization bill and its impact on communities.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of spending money wisely and challenges traditional spending practices.
  3. The author aims to advocate for the 'right kind' of spending based on historical context and facts.

Midweek Takes #2

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
  1. The author reflects on the rewarding experience of working on a local political campaign.
  2. Field work poses challenges in assessing its cost/benefit, impacting traditional engagement methods.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription.

Doug Gordon on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

0 implied HN points • 20 May 21
  1. The War On Cars podcast discusses the problematic relationship society has with personal automobiles.
  2. Doug Gordon emphasizes the need for better public engagement in transportation systems.
  3. Gordon envisions a future where streets are safe and welcoming for everyone.

Modern Mercantilism's Murky Morass: In Conversation with Alec MacGillis

0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 21
  1. Alec MacGillis argues for a single winner and many losers in modern mercantilism.
  2. There is confusion regarding the concept of mercantilism in relation to big tech companies like FAANG.
  3. Encouragement to buy books from local bookstores instead of purchasing from Amazon.

The Natty Ice of Transportation

0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
  1. Money should be directed towards long-term transportation strategies that prioritize people and places.
  2. There is a need to shift focus from highway bills to encourage more walking and biking.
  3. The current transportation system needs to prioritize safety for all types of users.

Projectopalypse IV: Transportation Alternatives?

0 implied HN points • 19 May 20
  1. The transportation funding focuses mostly on highways and transit projects, neglecting non-highway projects.
  2. States have the power to redirect funds meant for non-highway and non-transit initiatives, further limiting their support.
  3. Funding for non-highway and non-transit projects is significantly less compared to the yearly budget for surface transportation.

Projectopalypse III: ARTs and Crafts

0 implied HN points • 14 May 20
  1. Projectopalypse III discusses Albuquerque's new Bus Rapid Transit system
  2. The article highlights the challenges in building efficient public transit in the US
  3. Subscription required to access full post and archives

City Power: Urban Governance in a Global Age

0 implied HN points • 07 May 20
  1. We live in a limited-powers republic, but we can still make a difference.
  2. It's important to get involved in local decision-making for the benefit of each other.
  3. Richard Schragger's book discusses the impact of city governance on our lives.

Daily Exasperation #8

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Infrastructure Transportation Urban planning Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. The statement from the Governor's spokesperson about combating climate change lacks substance and may not effectively reduce emissions.
  2. Focusing on highway-widening projects might not be the most beneficial use of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  3. Empty, vague statements can lead to costly projects that might not benefit those in need.

What the hell is going on with "progressive" mayors?

0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 21
  1. Some cities seem to lack true leadership, except for Baltimore.
  2. Agreement with Paul Krugman on gentrification and urbanism discourse.
  3. Consider a 7-day free trial to keep reading and access full archives.

BQNEXT: Taking BRT seriously in NYC

0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
  1. The BQX project in NYC is seen as a triumph of capital and boosterism.
  2. The focus is on understanding the development and destiny of the Brooklyn Queens Connector.
  3. Advocating for a fully-realized, pervasive Bus Rapid Transit network (BRT) in NYC.

Slices and Lumps: Division and Aggregation in Law and Life

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 21
  1. The post discusses the concepts of division and aggregation in law and life.
  2. There is an upcoming book talk event with Lee Fennell, the author of 'Slices and Lumps'.
  3. To access more content, you can subscribe for a 7-day free trial on Exasperated Infrastructures.

Greg Shill on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation.

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 20
  1. Greg Shill discusses the past, present, and future of transportation
  2. He critiques the current transportation system and suggests improvements for the next decade
  3. Shill's work can be found in articles and scholarly publications

A half-lay take on South Dakota v. Dole (1987)

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 20
  1. The Supreme Court case South Dakota v. Dole (1987) emphasizes the importance of controlling mechanisms related to roads.
  2. USDOT can compel states to improve by utilizing control over road mechanisms.
  3. Even though planners work hard, they often have less power in crucial decisions.

The Road To Inequality

0 implied HN points • 26 May 20
  1. Author Clayton Nall discusses how the federal highway program impacted inequality in America.
  2. Join the conversation with Professor Nall by reserving a spot for the upcoming talk.
  3. Subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more posts on Exasperated Infrastructures.

Midweek Takes #5

0 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
  1. It's suggested to advocate for state-sponsored rail travel.
  2. Consider investing in rail infrastructure.
  3. France's railway system is highlighted as a potential model.

Barb Chamberlain on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Advocacy Policy Urban planning Community Engagement
  1. Barb Chamberlain emphasizes the importance of active transportation and the need for active listener polish in transportation leadership roles
  2. She discusses the shift needed in how transportation policies are approached, highlighting the unintended consequences of certain decisions in the past
  3. Barb Chamberlain advocates for deep listening, relationship building, and prioritizing community engagement to transform transportation infrastructure for the betterment of all

The Future History Of The BQX

0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 21
  1. The post discusses the development and destiny of the Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX).
  2. The goal is to advocate for a fully-realized Bus Rapid Transit network (BRT).
  3. The series aims to explore the controversial BQX project in-depth over multiple parts.

Midweek Takes #8

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 21
  1. The post discusses the topic of bipartisanism and optimism for the future.
  2. The conversation with Alex covered infrastructure, spending, and federal priorities.
  3. A 7-day free trial is offered to read more on Exasperated Infrastructures.

Midweek Takes #9

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 21
  1. The post is about Midweek Takes #9.
  2. The post includes small thoughts and links from August 11, 2021.
  3. To keep reading the full post, you can start a 7-day free trial.

Midweek Takes #13

0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 21
  1. The post discusses being late and considering not coming back.
  2. There are notes about underground testing and article recommendations.
  3. Subscription offer for free access to full post archives.

Midweek Takes #14

0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 21
  1. Traveling can be enriching but exhausting for both the mind and body.
  2. Taking time to rest and recharge is important for physical and mental well-being.
  3. Understanding the impact of your work on others can provide valuable context and motivation.

Midweek Takes #16

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
  1. The focus is on Mayor-elect Eric Adams and his potential impact on the future of New York City.
  2. Progressives are concerned about having a former police officer leading NYPD reform.
  3. Read more about these topics in the full post by subscribing.

TransitCon 2022: An Awesome Virtual Conference

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
  1. TransitCon 2022 is a virtual conference with over 40 speakers and a special keynote happening on January 30 from 11am-6:30pm
  2. The event is free and open to everyone, with the annual TransitCon expected to run from 11am-6:30pm on January 30, 2022.
  3. An organization was pitched to promote TransitCon by Hayden Clarkin via a Twitter DM.

David Zipper on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
  1. David Zipper discusses access and sidewalks in transportation.
  2. David Zipper talks about 'decongestion' pricing for the future of transportation.
  3. The conversation with David Zipper covers the past, present, and future of transportation.

Mid (early) week Takes #21

0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
  1. Planners should have a basic understanding of UI/UX
  2. Utah is focusing on transit
  3. Importance of listening skills for planners

Mini Exasperation #1 (Redux)

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Public funding Local government Bipartisan Issues
  1. Weekly posts will include a short thought on a current topic, offering a quick reflection or reaction. This aims to engage readers with fresh ideas regularly.
  2. Recent federal grants announced for infrastructure projects are significant and aimed at improving local communities. Better communication about these projects will help the public understand how their money is used.
  3. Different views on funding public transit show there’s a conflict between wanting supportive services and cutting costs. It's important to focus on making transit accessible and sustainable for everyone.

New York City Mayor's Race, Transportation Edition

0 implied HN points • 13 May 21
  1. The post focuses on analyzing transportation/land use plans of NYC mayoral candidates.
  2. The author delves into the progressiveness/boldness of the candidates' transportation plans.
  3. The post emphasizes the need for more innovative approaches in addressing transportation issues.