Thanks to consistently high gas prices, countless hours spent in traffic jams, and the looming threat of climate change, commuters have reversed the decades-long trend of driving personal automobiles by opting for trains, subways, and buses on their daily commute. In fact, according to The New York Times, 2013 saw a record-breaking use of public transit—the highest in any year since 1956. A report released by American Public Transportation Association stated that 10.65 billion trips were taken on public transit last year, surpassing the 10.59 billion trip peak of 2008, when oil prices surged. As cities continue to experience economic and population growth, money has been invested in infrastructural projects that promote public transit as both a feasible and pleasant commuting option, counteracting the negative view of public transit systems created by the growth of car culture in the mid-20th century. For this year's Architizer A+ Awards, we've unsurfaced numerous projects that espouse a positive attitude towards public transit. We see these projects as more than just a space to wait for a train or bus—they are part of a larger effort to connect disparate areas of cities and nurture community development. Be sure to vote for your favorite A+ ...
Thanks to consistently high gas prices, countless hours spent in traffic jams, and the looming threat of climate change, commuters have reversed the decades-long trend of driving personal automobiles by opting for trains, subways, and buses on their daily commute. In fact, according to The New York Times, 2013 saw a record-breaking use of public transit—the highest in any year since 1956. A report released by American Public Transportation Association stated that 10.65 billion trips were taken on public transit last year, surpassing the 10.59 billion trip peak of 2008, when oil prices surged. As cities continue to experience economic and population growth, money has been invested in infrastructural projects that promote public transit as both a feasible and pleasant commuting option, counteracting the negative view of public transit systems created by the growth of car culture in the mid-20th century. For this year's Architizer A+ Awards, we've unsurfaced numerous projects that espouse a positive attitude towards public transit. We see these projects as more than just a space to wait for a train or bus—they are part of a larger effort to connect disparate areas of cities and nurture community development. Be sure to vote for your favorite A+ ...