Project Transit: Restoring the Romance of Public Transportation
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York 
on 01.11.09
Photo via Project Transit
Project Transit is a newly launched website that aims to upgrade the general conception of public transportation through art and dialogue. Needless to say, it's a daunting challenge—many people, especially those who don't live in major public transit-friendly metropolises like New York or Chicago, still perceive taking a subway or a bus as unseemly.
With a little love, and a lot of artistic inspiration, (and long-term ever-rising gas prices) Project Transit hopes to change that.
Just having launched, the ultimate direction of the site is still a little unclear (the next phase is due in Feb). What it does offer at the moment is already promising: there are downloadable subway postcards for four different cities, each which highlights shopping destinations along the various lines. Their goal is to emphasize the unique opportunities that taking public transit holds, and outline enjoyable ways to take advantage of them.
There's also a forum section where users can share thoughts, ideas, and experiences they've had relating to public transit. Users can also upload art and photos to share with the community.
It's a fine idea—and taking public transit does have an air of romanticism about it that's been sullied over the years. Why does taking a train across the French countryside to Paris seem so romantic, but riding the J train into Manhattan seems vulgar? Both offer amazing views, an intimate proximity with other people, and a unique opportunity for reflection-on-the-go. Public transit surely needs a facelift in the collective American consciousness. Maybe Project Transit can help kick start the procedure.
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I don't know if folks skip taking the bus or tube in the major US urban areas from a concern over it being 'unseemly' or less than upscale.
I believe the bigger concern is filthy equipment, surly employees and roving bands of thugs willing to take your life for your watch, wallet or worse yet, for 'diss'n' - whatever that might mean.
I love the bus system in Seattle, but I am not suicidal enough to ride alone at night - I cannot imagine the insanity of the tube, late night, in NY or Philly (AKA killadelphia) - it may be that I just dislike large cities.
To each his/her own I guess - YMMV.
Anyone who thinks public transit is romantic should try taking it some time.
"Why does taking a train across the French countryside to Paris seem so romantic, but riding the J train into Manhattan seems vulgar? "
Dude - one of those is intra-city, the other is inter-city. Comparing the two is absurd and makes you sound like you've never been anywhere. You should be comparing the paris METRO with the NYC subway. Also, the subway does not have such a bad rap, nor do any Metro systems. It's Busses that get the bad reputation.
Anyway, we've GOT to stop using the phrase "public transportation". It has been sullied whether you like it or not into a negative. Please use "the bus" or "the subway" or, if you must, "Transit". This thing in LA (projecttransit.com) is a nice effort but will fail unless LA finishes the Red Line.
Anyone who thinks public transit is romantic should try taking it some time.
I ride the J train into Manhattan all the time. Doesn't seem vulgar to me or the thousands of people (nice, normal people) that crowd in at rush hour. From who's perspective is this written?
Is taking the bus or train really more dangerous than walking or driving? I would say no, and I've done all four. I mean, if you are in a rough town walking around at night is not gonna be much safer. And driving certainly isn't to safe anywhere you go with accidents and road rage.
I would say that status plays a big part as well as the quality of public transit.
I live on vancouver island, and I've noticed something:
people in victoria are afraid to take the bus because it's full of 'weirdos', but the reason it's full of 'weirdos' is because everyone else is afraid to take the bus!
This is art in progress and in reality, if it is "romantic" or "vulgar", I think it is a beautiful idea which can inspire the world around you, if you, for a moment, open your eyes and open your heart to the environment in which you breathe...for the cynics, just keep your left hand on your wallet.
In a time where getting back to the basics is inevitable, thank you for encouraging outside environment for inner reflection.
This is art in progress and in reality, if it is "romantic" or "vulgar", I think it is a beautiful idea which can inspire the world around you, if you, for a moment, open your eyes and open your heart to the environment in which you breathe...for the cynics, just keep your left hand on your wallet.
In a time where getting back to the basics is inevitable, thank you for encouraging outside environment for inner reflection.