Trains, Buses, People: An Opinionated Atlas of US Transit

by Christof Spieler

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In a word: thorough

In a sentence: Spieler gives a run-down of American public transit.

Synopsis: This book has a tripartite structure: a holistic description of the history, fundamentals, and modes of transit, an overview of important factors in successful transit systems, and an in-depth analysis of individual US transit systems.

Reactions: This book is highly informative. It provides both a broad overview, and in-depth investigation of US transit. If you are one to find this book appealing, it is also likely that you are an advocate for public transit. In the US, there are shocking numbers of naysayers when it comes to transit. When of the primary benefits I've gained from exploring this book is an ability to articulate the benefits of transit and the fundamental obstacles Americans face in implementing it.

It should be noted that the description 'opinionated atlas' is an accurate description of this book. Spieler aided in the creation of the Houston transit system, so he is certainly a knowledgeable voice when it comes to transit. However, I found him at times naive about the actual usefulness of certain transit systems across the US. In other words, there is an American expectation that everyone owns and primarily uses a car, and so if you can use yours less your transit system works well. The US has very few complete transit systems, and I often found Spieler's threshold for a 'successful' transit system lacking.

Read if: you are interested in transit systems.