IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

The promotion of modes of transportation other than the private car is a hallmark of the livable cities movement. Such modes have seen advances in the last two decades. But obstacles remain, some of which point up the democratic deficit in contemporary polities. Mobile technology has revolutionized the use of transit, as mapping, scheduling and fare-buying features of smartphone apps have greatly improved the user experience almost everywhere. Bikeshare has spread from a utopian idea to a quotidian practice in thousands of cities. Yet a lack of integration between these modes bedevils those who use them both, especially travelers and novices, and the fragile politico-economic structure of bikeshare despite its increasing popularity call out for more stable solutions. Uneven implementation of best practices such as fare-capping exemplify how merely ad-hoc public-private partnerships can bring out the worst aspects of each. Rider organizations have appeared in various cities but have had as yet limited if any influence on the structures of power that implement and operate alternative transportation. I will outline the factors both negative and positive in the direction of fare integration and bikeshare stability in the near future, and reflect on possible alterations to associated political and economic frameworks.