Book Review: Making Transit Fun!

Book: Making Transit Fun! How to Entice Motorists from their Cars (and onto their feet, a bike, or bus) by Darrin Nordahl

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Publisher: Island Press

Description:

Why do people in Stockholm prefer to take the stairs over the escalator? Why do Londoners enjoy hanging out at bus stops? How do carmakers convince us to buy gas-guzzling, environmentally damaging, and wallet-draining machines? It's called the fun theory. What Darrin Nordahl illustrates in this delightful book is that transit can be just as inviting, exciting, and even seductive as the automobile, if designed with the passenger experience in mind.

In Making Transit Fun!, Nordahl shows that with the help of architects, urban designers, graphic artists, industrial engineers, marketing experts-and even fashion designers-we can lure people out of their automobiles and toward healthier, more sustainable methods of transportation.

This accessible E-ssential focuses on the possibilities for making public transit, cycling, and walking more appealing to the motorist. In each section, Nordahl demonstrates how the transit stigma can be overcome with innovative design. From the aesthetics of buses to segregated bike lanes and pedestrian-priority streets, Nordahl showcases examples from around the world that excite the heart and bring an easy smile.


Rating: 3 stars

Review:

Is there a way to make non-automobile transit fun? Well, that's answered here. The author knows that most people are not going to completely give up driving cars but for many there are alternatives such as walking, riding a bike, taking a bus, using the subway, etc. However, how do you get people to actively pursue those options? And for those who do choose or require public transportation shouldn't it be enjoyable to use and not just feel functional?

The book went over quite a lot of detail such as by trying to make the bus riding experience more satisfying for riders, officials can inject a bit of fun by adding whimsical bus stops as well as interactive ones. Also, having designated lanes for bike riders which would not only make it safer to ride but also inspire more people to use their bikes as legitimate forms of transportation instead of just for exercise.

The author also noted that most cities are not set up for alternate transit but many city officials are starting to looking into ways to change that. And according to the author these various forms of transportation are not only better for your health but also for the environment. However, no one will take advantage of these alternatives if it's not convenient, safe and enjoyable to do.

Reading this, sometimes felt like there were some generalizations as to what motivates or not motivates someone to do something and also in regards to what women think and feel about safety and risk involved in transportation. But overall, I think this would make a good resource or reference for anyone who is interested in learning about other forms of transportation or for anyone who works in city planning.