If you are regular readers of The Dean Files, you know my affinity for Mad Men. You may or may not know of my interest in and support of public transportation. In Fort Worth, public transporation is a bit of a joke. However, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A small light but guiding nonetheless.
I recently read two articles, one based upon the other, via Google Reader.
A Mad Man Among the People
Mad Man actor chooses transit over driving…
The articles talk about Mad Men actor, Vincent Kartheiser, and his decision to use public transport rather than purchasing a vehicle. If you have ever been to or lived in Los Angeles, you are aware of their faulty public transportation system. It isn’t incredibly effective. And it isn’t typically used by men of Mad Men stature, especially not characters like Pete Campbell.
LA and Fort Worth are similar in that they don’t offer effective, easily accessible public transport options that appeal to a wide variety of people. In other words, Portland or D.C. they are not. Here in Fort Worth, the streetcar appears to be the most viable, logical step in reversing this trend.
My question(s) to you, readers, is what would it take, in your own cities, to get you out of your cars and onto public tranport? What measures is your city taking to bring viable public transport to its citizens? And how do each of us leave the notions of the car as a status symbol behind and begin to engage with one another on our daily treks?
I’m pretty far north of Boston, and so can’t take the T (subway), but I most definitely do when I can. There is also a commuter rail (above ground train) that reaches up here and brings you into the city. I’ll be taking it tomorrow into Boston for an art event.
I really like walking or bike riding when I can, as well. I plan on biking to work in the spring when I can (and when I get a new bike!). :)
Oooo, what art event, Emily? We’d love to see the MFA Boston sometime, as well as the Athenaeum!
LOVE the article on vincent kartheiser. well, let’s just call him pete shall we? ;) mta needs to hire him as a spokesperson to raise awareness. i have to admit, getting around la without a car is tough, but if pete campbell can, there is hope! (btw, are you on twitter jen?)
Hi, Peggy! I love the idea of Vincent as an MTA spokesperson. Someone needs to initiate that – what a great campaign! Do you ever utilize public transport in LA? From my experience it was never very feasible, aside from scary bus tours through the Hills. ;)
And, no, I’m not on Twitter. I have not been convinced of a reason to be. I’m open to convincing though!