The hottest Public Transport Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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America has only one real city

Noahpinion • 45059 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transport
  1. The only truly big city in America is New York City. Other cities like Chicago and Boston are not as dense or walkable as NYC.
  2. American cities have policies that limit building tall buildings and creating transit systems. This makes it hard for other cities to become like New York.
  3. Many people want to live in dense, urban areas like NYC. Without more cities like this, housing prices will keep rising and middle-class families may get pushed out.

Is Dimes Square Cooked?

Residual Thoughts • 158 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Public Transport
  1. Dimes Square seems to be losing its popularity lately. Fewer people are going there, and some places have empty tables.
  2. Data from subway traffic shows a noticeable drop in visits to Dimes Square compared to previous years, especially during the summer months.
  3. Overall, the vibe in Dimes Square has changed, making it feel less 'cool' than before, and some believe it might be fading out.

The Private Train Car Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🏝 Travel Public Transport
  1. Private rail cars are a unique blend of luxury and public infrastructure, as they rely on Amtrak's services to travel. This means that even the richest can appreciate the beauty of public rail networks.
  2. These luxury rail cars were popular in the early 20th century but saw a decline after the Wall Street Crash. However, they are making a comeback as wealthy enthusiasts restore them and offer trips.
  3. Unlike today's ultra-rich who often isolate themselves, the elite of the past enjoyed luxury while still connected to the public system, showing a coexistence that's less common now.

All roads lead to home

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Public Transport
  1. The Tube map shows stations but not real distances, so walking or taking a bus is often faster than changing lines; check a street or bus map and consider walking instead.
  2. The Thames is a big transport divider, so north‑of‑the‑river travel patterns feel different and routes across the river can be less direct.
  3. When journeys are disrupted, be flexible — there are usually lots of options (walk, use different stations or buses, wait in a nearby café or venue) and choosing among them can make travel quicker and more pleasant.

Why The Future of Post-Pandemic Transit is Post-Commuter

The New Urban Order • 159 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Public Transport
  1. American public transit has seen a decrease in ridership since the pandemic, mostly due to remote work affecting office occupancy and transit rates.
  2. Cities with low office occupancy and high transit ridership are pointing towards a future of transit beyond the commuter model, exploring alternatives to driving or rideshare services.
  3. Cities leveraging transit for non-commuting purposes are succeeding, such as London where ridership exceeds pre-pandemic levels on weekends, showcasing the importance of public transit for overall city vibrancy.
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