How Detroit ended up with the worst public transit

[59caddy]

Here's the story of Detroit's public transit: http://metrotimes.com/covers/how-detroi ... -1.1648373

[Jochs]

I think Detroit was bad public transportation to encourage everyone to buy their own transportation and put auto makers, parts suppliers, etc. back to work.

[TSB]

I can't connect to that article for some reason but I do have an opinion on the major
cause of Detroit's transport problems.

Being surrounded on the east and south by a river and international border, all commuters
(students, workers, shoppers.... whatever) excepting the Canadians that cross, that would
usually come into a city from 360 degrees are crowded into access from only 180 degrees.

Just say'n

[hoborich]

http://detroitnews.mycapture.com/mycapt ... ryID=71179

Detroit had excellent publc transportation back in the 40s and 50s and 60s.Busses ran about 10 or 15 minutes apart. Streetcars on Woodward were sometimes only a block apart. Look at some old black and white photos of Detroit, especially downtown. The auto companies were instrumental in downgrading public transportation, believing everyone in the "Motor City" should be driving a car. The electric streetcars were 50 years ahead of their time. They ran in all weather, on time, and just a few minutes apart. The Woodward streetcars ran from the river to the fairgrounds turnaround. I used to ride them just for the fun of it............for a dime! There was absolutely no good reason to remove the streetcars. There were also streetcars on Gratiot, and the Clairmount line. Detroit was a great place to grow up in and live, back in the 40s and 50s.

[TSB]

'40s, '50s and '60s were pre-riot and pre-Coleman. A much different world.

[M.D.Bentley]

When the automakers bought up all the street car lines and forced everyone to buy a car if they wanted to get around. America fell in love with the new found freedom of owning a car. All you had to do was hop in you car and go!