Urban Transit Systems Struggle to Keep Pace as Demand Grows

BOSTON (AP) — Urban planners have long considered public transportation the best remedy for traffic congestion, but many of the nation's largest mass-transit systems simply aren't up to the task.

They lack the money to keep up with basic maintenance, let alone modernize and expand to attract more riders and take pressure off the highways connecting growing cities and suburbs.

Consider Boston, where the oldest American subway system began operating in 1897. During a winter of record-setting snow, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority was often paralyzed, its antiquated equipment overwhelmed by the elements.

By late February, "the T," as locals call it, had less than half of its fleet available. Service was not fully restored until the end of March. ..................(more)

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/14011706/urban-transit-systems-struggle-to-keep-pace-as-demand-grows