Better Buses, Better Cities (A Book Launch)

Imagine a bus system that is fast, frequent, and reliable—how would that change your city?

Buses can and should be the cornerstone of urban transportation, but in the U.S., they have long been an afterthought in budgeting and planning. But fortunately that is changing. A new generation of activists, planners, and elected leaders have recognized the power of better bus service to affordably connect people with jobs, healthcare, and everything they need to live their lives.

In a new book, Better Buses, Better Cities: How to Plan, Run, and Win the Fight for Effective Transit, TransitCenter Director of Research Steven Higashide chronicles real-world stories of reform, such as Houston redrawing its bus network overnight, Boston making room on its streets to put buses first, and Indianapolis winning better bus service at the ballot box. It explains what a successful bus system looks like and the importance of strong civic advocacy and public management in achieving it.

Join TransitCenter for a discussion featuring Steven and two transit reformers whose stories are told in the book—Stacy Thompson of Boston’s LivableStreets Alliance, and Kurt Luhrsen of Houston METRO.

Books will be available for purchase and Steven will be signing copies following the program.

Moderator:

Henry Grabar, Slate

Panelists:

Steven Higashide, Director of Research at TransitCenter

Kurt Luhrsen, Vice President of Planning at Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

Stacy Thompson, Executive Director of LivableStreets Alliance

Light refreshments to be served.

Event is free and open to the public. An RSVP does not guarantee a seat. We kindly request that you do not arrive earlier than 6pm.