Kitaab

You Should Take Public Transit

blog

published 2024-06-12 18:04

updated 2024-06-12 18:32

I kind of lowkey resent that I've become a public transit nerd. It feels weird to advocate for infrastructure. The whole point of good infrastructure is it fades into the background. People only tend to notice bad infrastructure: Potholes, garbage everywhere, undrinkable water. It's rare to hear discussion about good infrastructure, unless you're a particular kind of Beautiful Nerd. Even if I'm doomed to be a nerd comparing the flavour of tap water of the places I visit, I don't seriously expect you to. But I do think you should try the public transit in your city.

Having been a long time 99% invisible fan, I've developed an eye for public architectural infrastructure. I'm a dedicated plaque reader, but I'm also assessing cities by their biking infrastructure, the accessibility properties of their crosswalks, and the hostile architecture that plagues the space. I feel more connected to people, and have a greater sensory experience in doing so, both in the city of my residence, and while travelling. But I'm not here to talk about the specific invisibilities that surround our everyday life.