Why Removing Freeways Can Spur People to Take Transit

03/22/23

“Why can removing freeways spur people to take transit?”

Freeways are one of the biggest killers of transit. These colossal structures barricade neighborhoods, spout pollution, and make non-automobile travel difficult. But if freeways are torn down, then this paradigm will change. Barriers that prevented people from moving through will be gone. These can be replaced with green, breathable transit oriented spaces. Disincentivizing car use will also make transit a more appealing option. San Francisco’s Freeway teardown is an example. Once it was broken in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, not only did BART (the local rapid transit system) ridership increase by 15%, but the neighborhood soon became one of the most attractive destinations in the city. This is Why Removing Freeways Can Spur People to Take Transit.