Discussion: Public Transportation

Join us for an engaging discussion on the state of public transportation—a vital thread connecting cities, communities, and economies. We’ll begin with a global perspective, exploring how different countries invest in and innovate transit systems—from Europe’s high-speed rail and Japan’s punctual metros to emerging mobility solutions in the Global South.

From there, we’ll shift focus to the United States, examining why public transportation lags in many regions, the role of federal and state funding, and how car-centric infrastructure shapes daily life, equity, and the environment. What lessons can the U.S. learn from more transit-forward nations?

Finally, we’ll bring the conversation home to Boston—a city with one of the country’s oldest and most extensive transit systems, but also one grappling with aging infrastructure, service delays, and questions of accessibility and equity. How are current policies addressing these challenges? What is the role of the MBTA, and how do recent reforms measure up?

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a sustainability advocate, or just transit-curious, this meetup is your chance to connect, share perspectives, and think critically about how public transportation can move us all toward a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Relevant Content:

The Absolute Best Transportation for Cities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNTg9EX7MLw

How to Fix Public Transit in the U.S.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1iWaTIy1E

The Most Dangerous Subway in America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDXsVhFG7TE