Hello and welcome to Transit Talk. Today we’re exploring a simple but powerful idea: the local bus should be “an express sidewalk,” always available, always on. As the article reminds us, “You don’t wait for the sidewalk. You don’t check an app to see if it’s working. You don’t wonder if it’s meant for someone else.” Sidewalks just are—intuitive, safe, reliable. Why can’t our buses be the same?

To function like a sidewalk with a motor, buses need four pillars: frequency—you shouldn’t have to plan your life around a schedule; convenience—routes that go where people want without meandering; safety—waiting at a stop should feel as dignified as standing on any corner; and reliability—no guessing games on arrival times.

That means dedicated transit lanes, citywide, so buses aren’t stuck in traffic. As Andy Boenau puts it, “A bus isn’t charity, it’s concrete infrastructure that expands the reach of your feet.” Treat it like a sidewalk, and people will use it like one. Thanks for listening to Transit Talk—see you next time.
Link to Article